Iran has once again shut the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz following Israeli air strikes on Lebanon, even as fresh reports indicate Israel is dissatisfied with the current ceasefire arrangement. A report by The Wall Street Journal suggests Tel Aviv is uneasy with the temporary truce, raising questions over its durability. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has also issued a sharp warning to Washington, saying the United States must choose between upholding the ceasefire or allowing the conflict to continue through Israel.
‘Ball In US Court’
Araghchi said the terms of the Iran-US ceasefire were “clear and explicit”, insisting Washington cannot simultaneously support a truce while backing Israeli military action. He added that the “world is watching” how the US responds, particularly in light of ongoing strikes in Lebanon.
Despite earlier indications that Israel had agreed to the ceasefire, the report by The Wall Street Journal points to growing unease within the Israeli leadership. The divergence highlights cracks in the diplomatic framework underpinning the fragile pause in hostilities.
Israel Continues Strikes
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that the ceasefire does not extend to operations against Hezbollah. “A ceasefire with Iran will not include Hezbollah. We are continuing to hit Hezbollah,” he said, as Israeli strikes in Lebanon reportedly killed at least 254 people.
Netanyahu said Israeli forces had targeted sites previously considered safe by Hezbollah. While affirming that the ceasefire was reached “in full cooperation” with the US, he also suggested Israel had not been informed at the last minute. He further described Iran as weaker than ever, while praising strong US-Israel ties.
Journalist Killed In Gaza
The conflict has also intensified in Gaza, where an Al Jazeera journalist was killed in an Israeli strike. Mohammed Wishah, a correspondent with Al Jazeera Mubasher, was reportedly targeted while driving in Gaza City.
His death brings the number of Palestinian journalists killed since October 2023 to 262, according to local authorities. The Gaza Government Media Office has accused Israel of committing around 2,000 ceasefire violations over the past six months, including attacks on media personnel.
Tensions Escalate
Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz adds a significant economic dimension to the crisis, threatening global oil flows through one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.
With continued Israeli strikes, sharp warnings from Tehran, and growing uncertainty over US commitments, the ceasefire appears increasingly fragile, raising fears of a wider regional escalation.
Middle East conflict: Fragile Ceasefire Raises Doubts as Regional Tensions Persist
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