Israel and Lebanon extended their ceasefire by three weeks following talks at the White House brokered by Donald Trump, who said he is prepared to wait for what he described as “the best deal” to resolve the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The extension comes amid a broader regional crisis involving clashes between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and escalating tensions over control of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Trump said he is in no rush to finalise a peace agreement, insisting he wants a deal that is “everlasting,” while maintaining that the United States holds a decisive advantage in the naval standoff in the Gulf. He dismissed Iran’s maritime capabilities, referring to its vessels as “little wise-guy ships,” and claimed Tehran’s leadership is too unstable to negotiate effectively.
Despite those assertions, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains volatile. Iran has tightened its grip on the corridor, disrupting global energy flows and contributing to renewed increases in oil prices. Brent crude and US crude benchmarks both rose by more than one percent as uncertainty over the blockade persisted.
Trump also issued a stark warning, saying the US Navy has orders to “shoot and kill” Iranian boats laying mines in the strait. He added that US forces could neutralise any Iranian weapons rebuilding efforts within a day, even under the current ceasefire conditions that have been in place since April 8.
However, recent developments have challenged US claims of control. Iranian forces have seized multiple cargo vessels using fast attack boats, highlighting evolving tactics and raising concerns about Washington’s ability to fully secure the waterway. The seizures have compounded pressure on global oil markets and underscored the fragility of the ceasefire.
Iranian leadership has rejected suggestions of internal instability. Mojtaba Khamenei dismissed Trump’s remarks as “the enemy’s media operations,” insisting national unity remains strong following the death of his predecessor, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US strikes earlier in the conflict.
The prolonged crisis has also exposed divisions between the United States and its NATO allies. Washington is reportedly considering punitive measures against countries it views as uncooperative, including Spain, over access and support issues related to the Iran conflict.
While diplomatic efforts continue, violence on the ground has not fully subsided. Israeli forces have carried out strikes in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure and killing militants, according to military statements. Hezbollah has responded with rocket and drone attacks against Israeli positions, further straining the ceasefire.
Among those killed in recent strikes was Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil, whose death has drawn renewed attention to the human cost of the conflict.
Israel has sought cooperation with Lebanon’s government to counter Hezbollah, though the group was not part of the ceasefire negotiations in Washington. Prior to the extension, Israeli officials signalled readiness to escalate military action against Iran, pending US approval.
Israel Katz warned that any renewed offensive could target Iran’s leadership directly and significantly degrade its capabilities.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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