Iran threatens to boycott Islamabad peace talks over Israeli strikes in Lebanon

International, Middle East, Politics

MIDDLE EAST, 9 April 2026 (NPA) — Iran has warned that its delegation will not participate in peace talks scheduled for Islamabad if Israel continues its military strikes on Lebanon. The warning follows Israel’s most intense bombardment of Lebanon since the start of the war with the Iranian‑backed Hezbollah movement.

In a statement, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the attacks, calling them “a blatant violation of the initial ceasefire agreement and a dangerous indication of deception and lack of commitment to potential accords.” He added: “Continuing these attacks will render negotiations meaningless; our hands will remain on the trigger, and Iran will never abandon its Lebanese brothers and sisters.”

Pezeshkian reiterated the accusation across multiple platforms, including his official X account, stressing that Israel’s renewed incursion into Lebanon undermines any prospects for peace. He argued that repeated aggression by what he termed “the Zionist entity” signals deceit and non‑compliance, leaving Iran with no choice but to stand firmly by its Lebanese allies.

The Iranian president’s remarks underscore growing tensions in the region, as Israel intensifies its operations against Hezbollah strongholds. 

Tehran’s threat to boycott the Islamabad talks raises fresh doubts about the viability of negotiations aimed at ending the over one-month conflict.