Ceasefire at risk with Israel’s attacks on Lebanon and Iran’s closure of Hormuz

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has asserted that Lebanon and the broader “Resistance Axis” are integral components of the ongoing two-week ceasefire with the United States. In a firm statement released on Thursday, Ghalibaf warned that any further violations would lead to severe repercussions.

“Lebanon and the entire Resistance Axis, as Iran’s allies, form an inseparable part of the ceasefire,” Ghalibaf stated in a post on X. His remarks follow a series of devastating Israeli strikes across Lebanon that have tested the limits of the fragile diplomatic truce.

The Speaker emphasized that the costs for breaking the agreement would be explicit, promising “STRONG responses” to continued military escalations. This warning underscores Tehran’s position that the ceasefire cannot be limited to direct U.S.-Iran hostilities while its regional allies remain under fire.

South Korea has announced plans to dispatch a special envoy to Tehran to address the escalating Middle East crisis and advocate for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The move highlights the growing international pressure on Iran to restore maritime stability in the Persian Gulf.

In a high-level phone call on Thursday, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun urged his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, to ensure the swift resumption of safe and free navigation for all commercial vessels, including South Korean ships. Cho also emphasized the necessity of ensuring the safety of South Korean nationals currently residing in Iran.

According to the South Korean Foreign Ministry, Minister Araghchi welcomed the decision to send an envoy. While the primary focus remains the maritime blockade, the envoy is also expected to raise other “unspecified bilateral issues” during the visit, signaling a broader diplomatic engagement between Seoul and Tehran ahead of the Islamabad summit.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical energy artery for South Korea, and the prolonged closure has prompted Seoul to take a more direct role in the ongoing diplomatic negotiations.

Anwar Gargash, a senior diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, issued a firm statement on Thursday, asserting that the “time for pleasantries is over” regarding regional security. Gargash emphasized that candor is now a necessity to strengthen stability and define the “contours of the coming phase” in the Middle East.

The statement follows a formal declaration by the UAE Foreign Ministry on Wednesday, which held Iran “fully liable” for damages caused to civilian infrastructure and vital facilities during the conflict. The Ministry insisted that Tehran must be held accountable and provide full reparations for the destruction resulting from its military operations.

Tensions remain high as the UAE reported continued Iranian attacks against its territory, occurring even after the United States and Iran reached a fragile two-week ceasefire agreement. The persistence of these hostilities highlights the volatility of the current truce as delegations prepare for high-level talks in Islamabad.

Gargash’s remarks signal a shift toward a more assertive collective stance among regional partners, demanding clear commitments and legal accountability from Iran to ensure long-term peace and security.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni issued a sharp rebuke to the Israeli government on Thursday, revealing that Italy has “repeatedly” pressed for a halt to the military escalation in Lebanon. During a parliamentary address, Meloni emphasized Italy’s long-standing commitment to Lebanese sovereignty and the irreplaceable role of its peacekeeping contingent.

The diplomatic tension peaked following an incident on Wednesday where Israeli forces fired warning shots at a clearly identified Italian UNIFIL convoy traveling from Shama to Beirut. While no injuries were reported, at least one vehicle sustained damage. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed he has summoned the Israeli ambassador to the Foreign Ministry for an urgent clarification, stating firmly that “the Italian military will remain untouched.”

Defense Minister Guido Crosetto described the incident as “unacceptable,” noting that peacekeepers operating under the UN flag should never be exposed to such risks. The incident has further strained relations between Rome and Jerusalem, as Italy continues to demand total safety guarantees for its 750+ troops stationed in southern Lebanon.

Meloni reiterated that the ongoing bombings on the Lebanese civilian population and the threats to UN personnel are pushing the region toward a “point of no return,” threatening the fragile peace process currently being brokered in Islamabad.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry updated the casualties on Thursday, confirming that at least 203 people were killed and over 1,000 wounded during Wednesday’s massive Israeli air campaign. This marks the highest single-day death toll in Lebanon since the renewed conflict began five weeks ago.

The strikes targeted central Beirut and other key regions during the afternoon rush hour, hitting densely packed commercial and residential buildings without prior warning. While the Israeli military maintains that it was targeting Hezbollah infrastructure, the high number of civilian casualties has sparked international outrage.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the operations as “barbaric,” as rescue teams continue to search through the rubble for survivors in the capital’s most crowded neighborhoods. The escalation comes despite the fragile two-week ceasefire currently being observed between the U.S. and Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Thursday that Israel will persist in its military campaign against the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon. Netanyahu emphasized that strikes would continue “with force, precision, and determination,” even as diplomatic efforts for a broader regional truce are underway.

In a statement shared on social media, the Prime Minister issued a stern warning: “Whoever acts against the citizens of Israel will be harmed.” His comments came as Israeli aerial operations continued across southern Lebanon on Thursday morning, following a massive escalation on Wednesday.

The Israeli government has maintained a consistent stance that its operations against Hezbollah are independent of the two-week ceasefire agreement recently reached with Iran. This divergence in interpretation of the truce has already resulted in hundreds of casualties in Lebanon, complicating the fragile diplomatic opening between Washington and Tehran.

Maritime intelligence firm Lloyd’s List Intelligence reported on Thursday that commercial ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has all but disappeared. On the first day of the ceasefire, only three vessels transited the strategic waterway, all of which had current or past links to Iran.

Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s explicit demand for the strait to be reopened, Iran’s approval system remains in place. All ships seeking safe passage must undergo a rigorous vetting process by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), a policy that continues to restrict international commerce.

While last week saw a slight uptick with 72 passages—the busiest period since the war began—volumes remain 90% below normal levels. Lloyd’s noted that while the majority of allowed vessels are Iranian-connected, some Indian ships have successfully transited following direct diplomatic intervention by the Indian government.

The continued paralysis of this vital chokepoint remains a primary point of contention as global powers look toward the upcoming peace negotiations in Islamabad.

The head of Iran’s nuclear agency, Mohammad Eslami, stated on Thursday that protecting Tehran’s right to enrich uranium is a “necessary” condition for any potential peace agreement with the United States. Eslami, who leads the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, made these remarks while speaking to journalists during a commemoration event in Tehran.

“It is a part of the necessary (things) that nobody speaks about,” Eslami said, highlighting the U.S. refusal to acknowledge enrichment as a core component of Iran’s 10-point plan for a permanent ceasefire. The 10-point proposal, which Iran views as its primary negotiating framework, includes demands that Washington has historically rejected as non-starters.

These comments come at a high-stakes moment, as high-level delegations from both nations are scheduled to arrive in Islamabad, Pakistan, for critical negotiations this weekend. While the U.S. has described Iran’s enrichment goals as a major obstacle, Tehran remains firm that its nuclear program’s status must be addressed if a lasting truce is to be achieved.

The upcoming summit in Islamabad, led by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iranian representatives, is seen as a pivotal opportunity to stabilize the region following weeks of intense conflict.

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares announced on Thursday that instructions have been issued for the Spanish ambassador to return to Tehran. The decision comes as international diplomatic efforts intensify to stabilize the region following the announcement of a tentative ceasefire.

Spain had temporarily closed its embassy and evacuated personnel at the onset of the conflict. “I’ve given instructions today to our ambassador in Tehran to return during this time in which a hope for peace is rekindled,” Albares informed legislators during a parliamentary session.

The move drew sharp criticism from Israel. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the decision on X, describing it as “an eternal disgrace.” Saar accused the Spanish government of aligning with the Iranian regime, stating that reopening the embassy while political dissidents face execution is a “shameful” act.

This diplomatic friction underscores the deep divisions among international powers regarding the best approach to engage with Tehran as the Islamabad peace talks approach.

The main border crossing between Lebanon and Syria, known as Masnaa on the Lebanese side and Jdeidet Yabous on the Syrian side, resumed operations on Thursday. The crossing had been temporarily closed for five days after the Israeli military threatened to strike the area, alleging its use by Hezbollah for smuggling military equipment.

Both Lebanese and Syrian authorities denied the smuggling allegations, and the threatened strike did not materialize. Lebanese officials credited diplomatic intervention from the United States and Egypt for halting the planned military action. Syria’s port and customs authority announced the “resumption of normal traffic flow” after the elimination of perceived risks.

The reopening is a significant relief for travelers who had been forced to use northern routes, adding several hours to the journey between Beirut and Damascus. This artery is vital for humanitarian movement, as over 200,000 people have crossed from Lebanon into Syria in the five weeks since the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensified.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni delivered a stern warning to Parliament on Thursday, emphasizing that the full restoration of freedom of movement in the Strait of Hormuz is the most critical element of any lasting agreement between the U.S. and Iran.

Meloni cautioned that any attempts by Iran to impose extra duties or restrictions in the strategic waterway would lead to “unpredictable economic consequences” for the global market. “Full restoration of freedom of movement in the Strait of Hormuz is needed, and it must not be subject to any restrictions,” she stated, referring to reports of disrupted shipping in recent hours.

The Prime Minister also proposed a radical economic shift within the European Union should the crisis worsen. She suggested that the EU should consider suspending the “stability and growth pact”—the set of rules governing public finances—similar to the emergency response seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, to shield European economies from regional instability.

Her remarks highlight the growing anxiety among European leaders regarding energy security and the potential for a wider economic shock if the U.S.-Iran ceasefire fails to secure the Persian Gulf’s vital trade routes.

Britain’s Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has joined international calls for Lebanon to be formally included in the Middle East ceasefire, warning that continued Israeli strikes are causing mass displacement and a dire humanitarian crisis.

In interviews with Sky News and the BBC on Thursday, Cooper expressed that she is “deeply troubled” by the escalating aerial campaign, describing the scale of yesterday’s attacks as “completely wrong.” Her comments reflect a growing consensus among European nations that the current truce is unsustainable if hostilities continue on the Lebanese front.

In addition to calling for an end to the strikes, Britain has urged Iran to immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. Cooper emphasized that it is “crucial” to ensure that Iran is not permitted to impose tolls or illegal restrictions on the strategic waterway, which remains a vital artery for global trade.

The UK’s stance underscores the diplomatic pressure mounting on both Israel and Iran ahead of the high-level negotiations scheduled to take place in Islamabad.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Saeed Khatibzadeh, stated on Thursday that the reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz is contingent upon the United States ending its “aggression” in the Middle East and Israel halting its military operations in Lebanon.

Speaking to the BBC, Khatibzadeh clarified that Iran’s decision to close the waterway followed what he described as an “intentional grave violation of the ceasefire” by Israel. He emphasized that Tehran has sent a “crystal-clear” message to the White House, asserting that security for safe passage will only be restored once current regional hostilities cease.

“You cannot have a cake and eat it at the same time,” Khatibzadeh remarked, referring to the U.S. expectation of energy security amid ongoing conflict. He maintained that while Iran recognizes energy security as pivotal for the Persian Gulf, it will only abide by international norms once its conditions regarding regional de-escalation are met.

The statement underscores the fragility of the current truce, as the Strait of Hormuz—a chokepoint for 20% of the world’s oil and gas trade—remains a central bargaining chip in the lead-up to the Islamabad talks.

French President Emmanuel Macron has issued a firm call for all parties to fully respect the tentative ceasefire, specifically emphasizing its application to Lebanon. In separate discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and U.S. President Donald Trump, Macron stated that the decision to accept a truce “must open the way to comprehensive negotiations.”

In a statement shared on X late Wednesday, Macron expressed France’s “full solidarity” with Lebanon following a series of devastating Israeli operations. He spoke with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, condemning the “indiscriminate strikes carried out by Israel” in the strongest possible terms.

The French President warned that the continued military escalation poses a direct threat to the sustainability of the diplomatic breakthrough. The condemnation follows Lebanon’s deadliest day of the conflict, with over 180 people reported killed on Wednesday alone.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a high-level meeting with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker on Thursday to discuss the evolving situation in the Middle East and finalize arrangements for the upcoming U.S.-Iran talks in Islamabad.

According to an official statement, the meeting focused on the logistical and security framework for the diplomatic summit. Naqvi emphasized that the visiting American delegation—which includes Vice President JD Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner—will be treated as “special guests” of the state.

The Interior Minister assured the U.S. envoy that a comprehensive, multi-layered security plan has been activated to ensure the full protection of all foreign dignitaries during their stay in the capital. The meeting underscores Pakistan’s commitment to providing a secure environment for the high-stakes negotiations aimed at ending the regional conflict.

An Israeli strike targeted the southern Lebanese village of Abbasiyeh early Thursday morning, killing at least seven people and wounding several others, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. Officials noted that this is a preliminary death toll and could rise as rescue efforts continue.

The Israeli military has not yet issued a formal statement regarding this specific strike. However, Israel significantly escalated its aerial campaign across Lebanon on Wednesday, maintaining that its operations against the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group are entirely separate from the fragile two-week ceasefire agreement recently reached with Tehran.

The escalation has led to devastating casualties; Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that Wednesday’s strikes killed at least 182 people and wounded 890 others, marking the highest single-day death toll since the latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began.

Pakistani authorities have announced a two-day closure of schools and government offices in Islamabad to manage public movement and bolster security ahead of the upcoming U.S.-Iran diplomatic summit.

Sweeping movement restrictions have been enforced across the capital, with shipping containers blocking major arteries connecting Islamabad to neighboring Rawalpindi. The city remained unusually quiet on Thursday as residents navigated extensive traffic diversions and stayed away from the heavily fortified central districts.

These stringent measures follow a period of intense domestic unrest in March, during which nationwide protests resulted in over two dozen fatalities. In a particularly violent episode in Karachi, 12 people were killed after demonstrators attempted to storm and set fire to the U.S. Consulate in response to military strikes on Iran.

By clearing the roads and restricting public access, officials aim to prevent a recurrence of such violence while the high-level American and Iranian delegations arrive for negotiations later this week.

Pakistani authorities have significantly intensified security in the capital, Islamabad, ahead of the highly anticipated peace talks between the United States and Iran. Hundreds of additional police and paramilitary forces have been deployed across the city to secure the diplomatic venue.

On Thursday, security forces began sealing off parts of the city using shipping containers to block key access roads leading to the “Red Zone.” This heavily fortified enclave houses the nation’s most sensitive buildings, including the President’s House, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Foreign Ministry, and various foreign embassies.

While the Iranian delegation is expected to arrive later tonight, the identity of its representatives remains undisclosed. In contrast, the White House has already confirmed that U.S. Vice President JD Vance will lead the American negotiating team in hopes of securing a permanent end to the regional conflict.

The talks are being closely watched as a potentially historic diplomatic breakthrough, with local authorities placing the delegations’ expected hotel under a comprehensive security lockdown.

Distraught residents speak to Youssef Al-Mallah, head of the rescue team, at the site of the Basta strike. (Joel Gunter/BBC)

First responders in Beirut are working through the night to locate survivors trapped under the rubble following a wave of intense Israeli strikes that killed at least 182 people and wounded nearly 900 others on Wednesday.

Civil Defense officials reported that despite the widespread devastation, there have been occasional miracles; a wounded woman was pulled alive from the debris in the Ain Mreisseh neighborhood, and another man was rescued from a collapsed building in the capital’s southern suburbs.

However, many families remain in a state of agonizing wait. Mohammad Chehab, a Syrian national whose family was caught in the strikes, noted that while six members have been accounted for, four others remain missing as rescue workers continue to dig through the remains of targeted residential blocks.

Iran’s negotiating team is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on Thursday night for critical discussions with the United States, according to the Iranian ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam.

In a statement shared on X, Moghadam confirmed that the delegation is arriving for “serious talks based on 10 points proposed by Iran.” While the specific members of the team were not identified, the ambassador noted that the proposal includes key demands such as Iran’s right to enrich uranium and continued control over the Strait of Hormuz—terms that have historically been rejected by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The White House has consistently dismissed Iran’s 10-point framework as non-viable. Meanwhile, Moghadam highlighted that the Iranian public remains skeptical of the diplomatic initiative, citing “repeated ceasefire violations by the Israeli regime” in Lebanon as a primary factor for the lack of trust.

The tension underscores a major rift in the current truce agreement, as Israel and the U.S. maintain that the ceasefire does not extend to operations in Lebanon, despite Tehran’s insistence to the contrary.

A currency trader monitors international oil prices in Seoul, South Korea, on April 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Global energy markets saw a sharp rebound Thursday as oil prices climbed back above $97 per barrel. The surge reflects growing skepticism over the stability of the tentative U.S.-Iran ceasefire.

While prices briefly dipped below $92 following the initial truce announcement, uncertainty regarding the Strait of Hormuz and continued military posturing has driven investors back toward safe-haven assets and pushed energy costs higher.

Ship-tracking data from the trade analytics platform Kpler revealed that only four vessels with active Automatic Identification System (AIS) trackers passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday.

This count marks a significantly low volume for the strategic waterway on the first day of the tentative ceasefire. However, maritime experts note that this total does not account for the so-called “dark fleet”—vessels that operate with their AIS trackers disabled to avoid detection.

The “dark fleet” is frequently used to transport sanctioned Iranian crude oil to international markets, making the true volume of traffic through the chokepoint difficult to verify officially.

U.S. President Donald Trump issued an online statement Thursday insisting that his surge of warships and troops will remain around Iran “until such time as the REAL AGREEMENT reached is fully complied with.”

Trump’s comments appear to be a strategy to pressure Tehran as uncertainty surrounds the tentative two-week ceasefire. “If for any reason it is not… then the ‘Shootin’ Starts,’ bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The President further emphasized that Iran would be prevented from developing nuclear weapons and declared that “the Strait of Hormuz WILL BE OPEN & SAFE,” despite current reports showing that the critical waterway remains stagnant.