US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face another military strike if it does not stop what he described as its “proxies” in Lebanon from creating instability.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said:
“Iran must immediately stop their highly paid proxies in Lebanon from causing trouble.”
He further warned that if the situation continues, Washington could take military action once again.
“If they don’t, we’ll hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder.”
The remarks come at a sensitive moment, as senior American and Iranian officials are engaged in talks in Switzerland aimed at preserving a fragile peace framework reached earlier this month.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Closed
Meanwhile, the strategically important Strait of Hormuz remains closed despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
According to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, citing a source close to the Iranian negotiating team, Tehran will not reopen the waterway until a ceasefire in Lebanon is fully respected. The source also said Iran expects sanctions waivers allowing the sale of Iranian oil before restoring maritime traffic through the strait.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes, carrying a significant portion of global oil exports. Any disruption in the waterway can have a major impact on international energy markets and shipping.
Fighting Continues in Lebanon
The latest tensions follow continued Israeli military operations in Lebanon despite a recently announced ceasefire.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israeli forces retain full freedom to act against perceived threats inside Lebanon. He stressed that military operations would continue whenever necessary to protect Israeli security interests.
According to Lebanon’s state news agency, Israeli strikes on Saturday killed at least 20 people. Israel said the attacks were launched in response to projectiles fired by Hezbollah fighters at Israeli troops operating in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, remains a central issue in the broader regional crisis and has become a key topic in ongoing US-Iran discussions.
US and Iranian Delegations Meet Pakistani Mediators Ahead of Switzerland Talks
Pakistan-Mediated Talks Begin in Switzerland
At the same time, technical-level negotiations between the United States and Iran have officially begun in Switzerland, with Pakistan playing a mediating role.
Before the talks, US Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Later, the Pakistani delegation also met the Iranian team, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Speaking ahead of the negotiations, Vance praised Pakistan’s efforts in facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran. He expressed hope that the discussions would produce further progress and help reduce tensions across the Middle East.
Focus on Regional Stability
The Switzerland talks are viewed as a crucial step in determining whether the recent US-Iran understanding can evolve into a broader and more durable agreement.
While significant differences remain—particularly regarding Lebanon, sanctions and the Strait of Hormuz—both sides have continued diplomatic engagement instead of returning to direct confrontation.
Observers believe the outcome of these negotiations could have far-reaching implications for regional stability, energy security and future relations between the United States and Iran.
