Netanyahu Vows to Continue Lebanon Operations Amid US-Iran Diplomatic Uncertainty

Netanyahu vows to continue operations in southern Lebanon despite the US president claiming ‘no Troops going to Beirut’

3 -MIN READ3 -MIN

Listen

Teresa Elena Frontadoin Washington

Published: 2:33am, 2 Jun 2026Updated: 1:33pm, 2 Jun 2026

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.

“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.