Israel and Hezbollah continued to trade strikes on Friday as Donald Trump told US media he had asked Benjamin Netanyahu to be more “low-key” in Lebanon. The comments came as questions grew over the durability of the wider ceasefire arrangement in the region.
Trump’s remarks added to uncertainty around the conflict, particularly as he cast doubt on whether the truce with Iran could hold if pressure continued around the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway has remained a focal point for shipping and military tension, with recent movements suggesting that Iranian influence over traffic through the area is still being exercised.
Ship-tracking data showed that a Botswana-flagged liquefied natural gas tanker, the Nidi, attempted early on Friday to travel out of the Persian Gulf using a route ordered by the Revolutionary Guard. The vessel then abruptly turned around and headed back, underscoring the continuing sensitivity of navigation in the strait.
The incident followed a day of multiple ship movements through the waterway. On Thursday, four tankers and three bulk carriers crossed the Strait of Hormuz. According to the data firm Kpler, that brought the total number of ships passing through since the ceasefire to at least 12.
The latest shipping data suggests that, while traffic has continued, the situation in and around the strait remains unsettled. The attempted departure by the Nidi illustrates how quickly individual vessels can be affected by changing instructions and regional tensions.
Meanwhile, the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah showed no sign of stopping. Netanyahu said there was no ceasefire in Lebanon as Israel launched fresh strikes, reinforcing the sense that the conflict remains active despite broader diplomatic efforts and claims of de-escalation.
The developments come against a backdrop of continuing regional instability, with military activity, diplomatic statements, and shipping disruptions all feeding into uncertainty over how long any ceasefire can last. For now, the reports from the ground and from the shipping lanes point to a fragile and volatile situation.
More to follow as events develop.
