Slow Talks, Fast Strikes: Why Iran Says the U. S. and Israel Are Holding Back

Iran says the United States is pulling its punches on the talks that could end a long‑standing conflict, and it blames Israeli attacks in Lebanon for making negotiations even harder. The Iranian foreign ministry says the talks have begun with a lot of suspicion and that the U. S. keeps changing its position, which only lengthens the process. Tehran believes Israel’s actions are tied to U. S. policy and that any lasting peace must include a real ceasefire in Lebanon.The Iranian spokesman said if the U. S. is using mixed messages as a bargaining tool, it will not work with Iran; if the confusion comes from inside Washington, the U. S. should decide quickly. He also said Iran wants its frozen money back and that it has not yet started talking about the details of a nuclear deal. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they would strike back if U. S. forces attack Iranian territory, saying that such attacks deepen mistrust and justify defensive moves. The U. S. claims it hit Iranian sites over the weekend, while Iran says it has targeted a U. S. base in Kuwait as retaliation. The Iranian spokesman warned other countries to remember that past mistakes show how dangerous it is for the U. S. and Israel to use their power against Iran.