Be careful with words: Iran warns Trump after his new attack threat during talks

The war of words between Iran and the United States escalated on Sunday, even as both sides began talks in Switzerland aimed at ending the four-month-long conflict.

Shortly after US President Donald Trump warned Iran to rein in its proxies in Lebanon — a reference to Hezbollah — and stop attacks on Israel or face strikes, Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, issued a sharp response, advising Washington to “be careful with its words.” He also said Iran’s armed forces are prepared to respond to any escalation by the US.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump issued one of his strongest warnings minutes after the latest round of negotiations began in Switzerland.

“Iran must immediately stop their highly paid PROXIES in Lebanon from causing trouble. If they don’t, we’ll hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder!!!” Trump



wrote.

Trump’s latest remarks did not go down well with the Iranian delegation, which refused to take part in a planned photo opportunity with American officials.

According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, organisers and members of the US delegation had planned a handshake and joint photo session between the two sides before talks began.

However, Iranian chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declined to participate. Iranian officials also informed organisers that they would not join any photo-op, calling it an American “media show.”

Later, the Iranian negotiating team briefly walked out of the meeting in protest. A source cited by Press TV said Iranian negotiators had formally raised objections with the American side.

The situation deteriorated to the extent that Iranian officials told Reuters the talks in Switzerland “have paused but not ended.”