Trump Issues Stark Warning to Iran Over Lebanon Proxies
President Donald Trump on Sunday warned Tehran to immediately cease operations of what he called their highly paid proxies in Lebanon, threatening to hit Iran very hard again if they do not comply. The warning came via a post on Truth Social, coinciding with ongoing bilateral negotiations in Switzerland aimed at reducing regional tensions.
"Iran must immediately stop their highly paid PROXIES in Lebanon from causing trouble. If they don't, we'll hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder!!!" Trump posted.
The sharp rhetoric arrives at a sensitive moment for the peace process, where US and Iranian officials are engaged in technical sessions under a recently finalized Memorandum of Understanding. This framework outlines a structured agenda to address disputes over regional security, maritime access through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's nuclear program, and multi-front ceasefires, with a strict 60-day diplomatic window for de-escalation.
Vance Reports Progress on Lebanon Ceasefire
US Vice President JD Vance, speaking from Switzerland, acknowledged progress on securing the ceasefire in Lebanon despite the volatile security environment. "We've seen great progress over the last couple of days in ensuring the ceasefire in Lebanon holds," Vance stated. He characterized the current truces as "always a little bit messy," reflecting the challenges of managing active conflicts involving multiple hostile factions.
Vance emphasized that President Trump remains committed to achieving a comprehensive cessation of hostilities across West Asia, viewing stabilization of the Lebanese front as a critical step toward a broader regional settlement. He described the technical deliberations as a historic opportunity to reshape long-strained diplomatic dynamics, expressing Washington's aspiration to "turn over a new leaf" with Tehran if it abandons adversarial activities.
Iran Demands Preconditions for Further Talks
Diplomatic momentum faces significant friction from the Iranian side. Tehran has indicated it will not transition to the next phase of comprehensive dialogue until specific preconditions are met. Chief among these is the demand that Israeli military operations in Lebanon cease entirely before substantive talks on Iran's nuclear program can proceed.
Additionally, Iranian officials are pressing for immediate implementation of economic relief measures and financial dividends promised under prior understandings with Washington and its allies. Tehran blames the US for the impasse, accusing the American administration of failing to exert leverage to halt cross-border conflicts between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, which have seen regular exchanges of fire since March.
Strait of Hormuz Blockade Strains Talks
The dialogue has been further strained by Tehran's strategic decision to reinstate a maritime blockade across the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies. This move came despite a multi-point memorandum of understanding concluded earlier this month that explicitly called for the waterway's reopening and systematic de-escalation. Tehran insists its cooperation remains conditional on concrete security guarantees regarding the Lebanese border and swift execution of US financial commitments.
