Iran has suspended peace talks with the US in protest at Israel’s offensive in Lebanon, according to Iranian news agency Tasnim, putting further pressure on the fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.
Tasnim, which is close to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, said that the suspension would remain in place until “the positions of Iran and its allied proxy forces are taken into account”.
Oil extended gains following the report, with Brent crude trading 5.3 per cent higher at $95.93 a barrel.
The US and Iran have been conducting negotiations via mediators for weeks to extend a ceasefire brokered in early April. In recent days, there have been conflicting signals over whether the two sides are close to an agreement that would extend the ceasefire by 60 days.
US President Donald Trump said on Monday in a post on his Truth Social platform that “Iran really wants to make a deal, and it will be a good one for the U.S.A. and those that are with us”. He added: “Just sit back and relax, it will all work out well in the end — It always does!”
