Iran Accuses Washington and Israel of Undermining Regional Diplomacy

Iran has accused the United States of sending conflicting messages during ongoing diplomatic efforts and said continued Israeli military operations in Lebanon are obstructing attempts to reduce tensions and advance negotiations in the region.

Speaking on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said a lack of trust between Tehran and Washington, combined with what he described as changing and contradictory American positions, has slowed progress in diplomatic discussions aimed at ending the broader regional conflict.

According to Baghaei, negotiations have been taking place in an atmosphere of deep suspicion, with Tehran claiming that U.S. officials frequently alter their demands and public messaging. He argued that such inconsistencies have made it difficult to move talks forward at a faster pace.

The Iranian official also pointed to recent Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, particularly attacks targeting areas linked to Hezbollah in Beirut’s southern suburbs, as a major obstacle to diplomacy. Tehran maintains that Israeli military actions cannot be separated from U.S. policy because of Washington’s close support for Israel.

His remarks came as Israel intensified operations against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly ordered fresh strikes, saying Hezbollah had violated previous ceasefire arrangements and continued attacks against Israeli territory.

Iran has repeatedly insisted that any lasting diplomatic agreement must include an end to hostilities in Lebanon. Officials in Tehran argue that ongoing military action in the country is worsening instability and reducing the chances of a broader regional settlement.

The comments come amid fragile efforts by international mediators to secure a wider ceasefire following months of conflict involving Iran, Israel, the United States and allied groups across the Middle East. While several rounds of indirect discussions have taken place, major disagreements remain over security guarantees, military operations and regional influence.

Analysts say the latest exchange of accusations highlights the growing challenges facing diplomatic efforts as violence continues across multiple fronts, particularly in Lebanon, where renewed fighting has displaced thousands and raised fears of a broader regional escalation.