TEHRAN, Iran — Iran has suspended diplomatic discussions with the United States, expressing disapproval over Israel’s intensified military actions in Lebanon, as reported by government-aligned media.

A statement from the semiofficial Tasnim news agency explained that the decision to pause negotiations and mediator exchanges was due to the ongoing operations of what it referred to as the ‘Zionist regime’ in Lebanon. Lebanon was noted as a condition for a ceasefire, which has been violated broadly. Civil defense workers are assessing damage from an Israeli strike in Tyre, a southern Lebanese city.

The conflict saw an escalation over the weekend, with U.S. and Iranian forces engaging in exchanges, contravening an earlier ceasefire agreed upon in early April. Tasnim hinted at Iran considering closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passageway for global oil supplies, accounting for a fifth of the world’s oil transport prior to the conflict. Such a move aims to penalize Israel and its allies.

No official statements were released by the Iranian government, which typically communicates through media channels. U.S. officials have yet to comment on the situation. The conflict, initiated by the U.S. and Israel on February 28, has resulted in thousands of casualties, primarily in Iran and Lebanon, including the deaths of 13 U.S. service members. The crisis has influenced global energy markets, with rising prices following Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Efforts for a comprehensive agreement have continued amid unresolved issues, such as the outlook of Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. Further updates will be provided as the story progresses.