Iran has said peace talks with the United States are now “unreasonable” following fresh Israeli strikes on Lebanon.
The comment came from Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammed Bager Qalibaf, after Israel launched its heaviest attacks yet, killing hundreds and escalating tensions in the region.
“In such a situation, a bilateral ceasefire or negotiations were unreasonable,” he said.
The warning puts fresh doubt on planned talks expected to begin on Saturday, days after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire.
Iran argues the continued strikes, especially in Lebanon, go against the spirit of the agreement.
However, Israel and the United States say the ceasefire does not cover Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said operations there will continue.
ALSO READ: Israeli attack kills Al Jazeera journalist Mohammed Wishah in Gaza
U.S. Vice President JD Vance also backed that position.
“I think the Iranians thought that the ceasefire included Lebanon, and it just didn’t,” he said.
Disputes over Iran’s nuclear programme remain another key issue.
Trump said Iran had agreed to stop enriching uranium and hand over its stockpiles.
“The United States will, working with Iran, dig up and remove all of the deeply buried … Nuclear ‘Dust,’” he said.
But Qalibaf rejected that, insisting Iran can still continue enrichment.
With both sides holding firm, the chances of a breakthrough in upcoming talks remain uncertain.