Published 4 hours ago • loading... • Updated 1 hour ago
Iran stops negotiations with U.S., vows to 'completely' block Strait of Hormuz: State media
Tehran says the pause follows Israeli strikes on Hezbollah as oil prices jumped nearly 8% on fears the conflict could widen, traders said.
On Monday, Iran's negotiating team suspended indirect message exchanges with the United States via mediators, citing Israeli military strikes in Lebanon as a violation of ceasefire preconditions.
Tehran demands an immediate halt to Israeli operations in Gaza and Lebanon, plus full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, before resuming diplomatic communications, according to the Tasnim News Agency.
Beyond the diplomatic pause, Tehran and allied groups have placed the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz and activation of additional regional fronts on their agenda, Tasnim reported.
Oil prices surged over 2 per cent amid fears of broader conflict, while Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Tehran will not approve any agreement unless its 'rights' are guaranteed.
The United States Central Command confirmed it carried out 'self-defence strikes' on Iranian radar and drone facilities over the weekend, responding to what it described as aggressive actions.