- Trump issues warning about striking Iran again, similar to last week.
- US and Iranian delegations are engaged in talks in Switzerland.
- Israeli military persists with its attacks on Lebanon.
President Donald Trump of the United States has warned that he might attack Iran again if the country does not restrain its proxies in Lebanon from causing disturbances. This comes as Israel continues bombing Hezbollah sites despite a ceasefire.
“Iran must immediately halt their heavily funded proxies in Lebanon from causing trouble,” Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Even as top Iranian and US officials meet in Switzerland along with mediators from Pakistan and Qatar, the Strait of Hormuz—a vital route for oil shipments—remains closed by the Iranian military due to violations of the ceasefire by Israel.
Trump added in his post: “If they don’t, we will strike Iran very hard again, just like last week, but even more forcefully!”
According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, citing a source close to the negotiation team, the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed until the ceasefire in Lebanon is respected and until waivers permitting Iranian oil exports are issued.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israeli forces are not restricted in their actions to eliminate threats in Lebanon, with troops stationed in the security zone.
On Saturday, Israel’s strikes killed at least 20 people in Lebanon, as reported by Lebanon’s state news agency NNA, one day after a ceasefire with Hezbollah took effect, ending months of escalating violence.
Israel claimed that its airstrikes were in response to projectiles launched by Iran-supported Hezbollah towards its troops in southern Lebanon.
Iranian officials state that Lebanon is the focus of peace talks with the United States in Switzerland after Washington and Tehran agreed on a framework to end their conflict that kicked off in late February, heightening regional tensions.
Switzerland talks mediated by Pakistan commence
Delegations from the US and Iran have started technical discussions in Switzerland, with Pakistan serving as the mediator.
Before the talks, the US delegation—led by Vice President JD Vance and including special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner—met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Later, Iranian representatives—Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi—met with Pakistani officials.
Vance expressed optimism about reaching further progress during these talks and praised Pakistan’s mediatory efforts.
Standing alongside Pakistani and Qatari leaders, Vance commended Prime Minister Shehbaz and Field Marshal Munir for their roles in facilitating the US-Iran negotiations.
The US Vice President emphasized that Pakistan’s involvement is appreciated globally and expressed hope for building upon this momentum.
He also highlighted that the US desires Iran to contribute positively to peace initiatives and reiterated that regional stability remains a priority for Washington.
Additionally, he expressed concern about Lebanon’s situation, mentioning efforts by Trump to ease tensions following Israel’s ongoing assaults on Hezbollah positions.
“While these technical talks may not resolve every disagreement, they mark the first time teams from both sides have sat down together,” he stated, confirming Trump’s commitment to a comprehensive regional ceasefire.