Israel has ordered people to leave areas in Lebanon as it warned of further strikes, while the Israel Defense Forces said it is continuing operations in south Beirut. The situation has added to uncertainty around a ceasefire arrangement involving the US and Iran, with Israel maintaining that Lebanon is not part of the agreement.
The latest developments come as the wider Middle East crisis remains in flux. A ceasefire between the US and Iran has been described as being in serious doubt amid continued Israeli assaults on Lebanon and Iranian action affecting oil tankers in the region.
Lebanon must be included, says UK foreign minister
In remarks reported by Reuters, the UK foreign minister, Yvette Cooper, said Lebanon must be included in any ceasefire agreement. She also said shipping through the Strait of Hormuz must be toll-free.
Her comments come against the backdrop of ongoing ceasefire talks and growing concern about the security of one of the world’s most important shipping routes.
Dispute over the Strait of Hormuz
Tehran has proposed fees or tolls on vessels in exchange for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Donald Trump suggested on Wednesday that the US and Iran could collect tolls in a joint venture, while the White House said its priority was reopening the strait without limitations.
The issue has become part of the broader diplomatic and military standoff in the region, where transport routes and ceasefire terms are increasingly intertwined.
Questions over Britain’s role
Separately, a remark attributed to Cooper referred to the need for decisions to be made only with lawful authority and a clear plan. The comment reflected the political sensitivity surrounding military involvement and the need for any action to rest on a legal basis and a workable strategy.
As events continue to develop, the crisis appears to be entering another unstable phase, with pressure mounting on diplomats to define the scope of any ceasefire and the countries it must include.
Further updates are expected as negotiations continue and military operations on the ground remain active.
