Middle East conflict: US–Iran Talks Collapse Over Hormuz Dispute as Israel Strikes Lebanon Intensify

The US–Iran peace talks in Islamabad have collapsed, with both sides trading sharp accusations over the failure. The United States claims Iran refused to accept key conditions, especially related to nuclear restrictions and the strategic control of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran, however, argues that Washington introduced unfair and new demands during negotiations, making agreement impossible. Tehran has firmly stated that it will not rush into any deal and will not change its position on Hormuz, emphasizing “no means no” on core issues. The deadlock has deepened mistrust between the two sides, with both blaming each other for the breakdown. Meanwhile, tensions have escalated further in the Middle East, as Israel intensified airstrikes in southern Lebanon, reportedly killing at least 13 people in targeted attacks against Hezbollah-linked areas. Continuous cross-border strikes between Israel and Hezbollah are raising fears of a wider regional conflict. Analysts warn that the collapse of diplomacy in Islamabad, combined with ongoing military escalations, is pushing the region closer to a multi-front crisis involving major global powers and regional alliances.