The fragile Middle East ceasefire came under fresh pressure on Thursday as political leaders traded warnings over compliance, regional security and the future of key shipping routes.
US president Donald Trump said Iran must fully comply with any agreement or the US would begin “shooting” again. His comments added to growing uncertainty around the ceasefire, which is already in serious doubt amid Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Iranian moves affecting oil tankers.
At the same time, the UK foreign minister, Yvette Cooper, said Lebanon must be included in any ceasefire arrangement. In remarks reported by Reuters, Cooper also said that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz must be toll-free.
Dispute over the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz has become a central issue in the ceasefire discussions. Tehran has proposed fees or tolls on vessels seeking safe passage through the waterway. The route is one of the most important shipping lanes in the region, and any restrictions have immediate implications for oil tankers and wider trade.
Trump also commented on the idea of tolls, saying on Wednesday that the US and Iran could collect them together in a joint venture. The White House, however, said the priority was to reopen the strait without limitations.
The competing positions underline how much the ceasefire talks have broadened beyond immediate military action to include access to maritime routes and the terms under which shipping can continue.
Lebanon factor adds to uncertainty
Cooper’s insistence that Lebanon be included in any ceasefire agreement reflects the wider regional stakes surrounding the current crisis. Israel’s assaults on Lebanon have further complicated the diplomatic effort to stabilise the situation, even as negotiations continue elsewhere.
With multiple fronts still active, the ceasefire remains vulnerable to collapse. The latest remarks from Washington, London and Tehran show that the shape of any agreement is still contested, particularly over who is covered by the deal and how essential transport routes should be managed.
Concerns over legal basis and planning
In additional remarks, a minister said decisions had been guided by “principles and values” that meant the government would not become involved in action “without a lawful basis, without a viable, thought-through plan.”
The statement highlights the continuing debate over the legal and strategic basis for involvement in the conflict, as leaders weigh the risks of escalation against the need to maintain a ceasefire.
For now, the situation remains highly unstable. Ceasefire talks are continuing, but with disagreement over maritime tolls, the status of Lebanon, and the threat of renewed military action, the chances of a durable settlement appear limited.
