
Efforts to negotiate an end to the Middle East war appeared mired in uncertainty on Monday, with Iran-linked media reporting that Tehran had suspended contact with Washington over Israel’s expanding offensive in Lebanon even as US President Donald Trump insisted talks were continuing “at a rapid pace” and claimed to have helped broker a halt to fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.
The conflicting accounts highlighted the fragile state of negotiations aimed at ending more than three months of conflict, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and reviving discussions over Iran’s nuclear programme.
The United Nations voiced alarm after Israel broadened military operations in Lebanon, warning that the escalation risked further destabilising the region and undermining diplomatic efforts.
Advertisement
“We are deeply alarmed by the escalation in military activities across southern Lebanon and beyond,” Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, told reporters.
“We urge all actors to respect the cessation of hostilities and avoid further escalation.”
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported late on Monday that Tehran had suspended indirect exchanges with Washington through mediators, blaming Israel’s actions in Lebanon.

Don't Miss:
-
Make home ownership a 5-year plan goal, Legco president says
-
Hong Kong a ‘trusted partner’ to drive Central Asia growth, city leader says
-
More Chinese pet owners choose TCM for chronic pet illnesses using herbs, bee stings, acupuncture
-
Iranians recount horrors of suspected US missile attack on first day of war
-
2 Hong Kong travel agencies, guide stripped of licences over ‘coerced shopping’

US-South Korea Alliance Faces a Test beyond Political Rhetoric
RECAP: Asia Sentinel Stories for August 2026
Taiwan’s Habit of Releasing Soldiers’ Full Names Seems Risky