US President
Donald Trump on Monday said negotiations with Iran were continuing “at a rapid pace” despite fresh exchanges of fire that have tested the fragile ceasefire between the two sides.
“Talks are continuing, at a rapid pace, with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The ceasefire, reached nearly two months ago after weeks of conflict, has come under renewed strain as US and Iranian forces exchanged strikes over the weekend and into Monday. The latest attacks have raised concerns that the truce could collapse and derail ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Trump also said he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and representatives of Hezbollah amid escalating tensions in Lebanon.
“I had a very productive call with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, of Israel, and there will be no Troops going to Beirut, and any Troops that are on their way, have already been turned back,” he wrote.
Trump added that Hezbollah had agreed to halt attacks on Israel. “They agreed that all shooting will stop — That Israel will not attack them, and they will not attack Israel,” he said.
Earlier, Trump told NBC News that Washington had not been formally informed of Iran's reported decision to suspend negotiations.
“I think it’s fine if they’re done talking,” he said, while adding that Tehran had not officially conveyed such a decision to the US.
“But they haven’t informed us of that. It doesn’t mean we’re going to go and start dropping bombs all over there,” Trump said.
The developments come as Israel continues its military campaign in Lebanon. Over the weekend, Israeli forces carried out their deepest incursion into the country in 26 years. On Monday, Netanyahu ordered strikes on Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut, signalling a further escalation in the conflict.
Trump’s call with Netanyahu came shortly after those attacks were launched.
Meanwhile, Iran said that it has stopped exchanging messages with Washington through mediators following the strike on Lebanon.
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araqchi said on X, “The ceasefire between Iran and the US is unequivocally a ceasefire on all fronts, including in Lebanon. Its violation on one front is a violation of the ceasefire on all fronts. The US and Israel are responsible for the consequences of any violation.”
Catch all LIVE updates on the US-Iran conflict here.At TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and...
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