Israel continues Lebanon strikes, Iran threatens to exit ceasefire deal

TEHRAN: Concerns are rising that the 14-day ceasefire between Iran and the United States, which came into effect on Wednesday, could collapse at any moment. Iran has warned that it may withdraw from the ceasefire if Israel does not stop its attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iran also said it is ready to resume military action at any time. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by stating that attacks against Hezbollah will continue.

Since the ceasefire agreement, more than 270 people have reportedly been killed in Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon. Several commanders, including Ali Yousuf Harshi, the personal secretary and relative of Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, were among those killed. Hospitals in the capital Beirut are overwhelmed with bodies and injured people.

Meanwhile, an Iranian delegation is set to arrive in Islamabad for peace talks. They are expected to meet a U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance. Iran is likely to raise the issue of the Lebanon ceasefire during the discussions. There was some relief as Iran did not carry out airstrikes on Gulf countries on the previous day.

Strait of Hormuz remains partially open

The Strait of Hormuz remains partially open. Iran had reopened the strait on Wednesday, but later restricted movement again in protest against the attacks in Lebanon. However, ships not linked to the U.S. or Israel are allowed to pass with permission from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. A map showing safe routes without naval mines has been released, and a maximum of 15 ships is allowed to pass per day. The White House has said the strait is not officially closed. At least nine ships have crossed since the ceasefire began.

Ceasefire violation
1. Iran says Israeli attacks in Lebanon violate the ceasefire. The U.S. maintains that Lebanon is not part of the ceasefire agreement. The United Kingdom and France have called for the ceasefire to be extended to Lebanon.
2. Iran has warned it will not agree to a final deal unless attacks in Lebanon stop. U.S. President Donald Trump said American forces will remain around Iran until the agreement is fully respected, warning of renewed attacks if it is not.

Trump’s claims questioned
Although President Donald Trump has claimed success, several key goals announced at the start of the conflict have not been achieved:

• Ending Iran’s ability to attack neighbouring countries
• Destroying Iran’s nuclear capability
• Forcing regime change
• Eliminating missile stockpiles
• Ensuring safe passage for ships through the Strait of Hormuz without Iranian threats