US President Donald Trump on Sunday issued a sharp warning to Iran, urging it to immediately rein in its allied Hezbollah network in Lebanon and threatening further military action if it failed to comply, even as US and Iranian officials continued diplomatic talks in Switzerland aimed at reducing regional tensions.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Iran must stop what he described as its “highly paid proxies” in Lebanon from causing unrest, warning that failure to do so would invite a strong military response. He added that any future action would be even more severe than recent strikes, underscoring his escalatory tone at a time when negotiations were underway.
The warning came as US and Iranian representatives participated in ongoing quadripartite discussions involving Pakistan and Qatar, held under a recent memorandum of understanding that outlines a framework for broader negotiations. The agreement reportedly focuses on regional security issues, the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear programme and ceasefire arrangements across multiple conflict zones, with a 60-day window envisioned for progress toward a more durable settlement.
Speaking after the talks, US Vice President JD Vance said there had been some progress in efforts to maintain a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon, although he acknowledged that the situation remained unstable. He described the ceasefire process as complex but said the US administration remained committed to preserving it and advancing wider regional peace efforts. Vance also said the administration viewed the Lebanon ceasefire as an important step toward broader diplomatic engagement with Iran.
Iran, however, has linked further negotiations to specific conditions. Tehran has demanded an end to Israeli military actions in Lebanon before advancing talks on more sensitive issues, including its nuclear programme. It has also pressed for economic commitments that it says were part of earlier understandings with Washington and its partners, accusing the US of failing to ensure de-escalation in the region.
Hezbollah remains a central issue in the dispute, as it is Iran’s most influential regional ally and a key component of its broader network of armed groups across the Middle East. Iran has provided long-standing financial, military and political support to the organisation, making its role a major sticking point in negotiations.
The situation has been further complicated by Iran’s reported decision to reimpose restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route. The move comes despite earlier agreements aimed at reopening the waterway and easing tensions. Tehran has maintained that progress on Lebanon and economic assurances are essential prerequisites for advancing any broader deal.
