Israel has told people to leave areas in Lebanon as it warned of further strikes, while the Israel Defense Forces said it was continuing operations in south Beirut. The developments came as Israel maintained that Lebanon is not covered by the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran, raising fresh doubts over whether the truce can hold.
The latest escalation has deepened concern across the region. The ceasefire itself is now in serious doubt after Israel’s assault on Lebanon and reports that Iran has blocked oil tankers. The widening tensions have also pulled in wider diplomatic questions about whether the current talks can be expanded to include Lebanon and what that would mean for regional security.
UK says Lebanon must be part of any ceasefire
The UK foreign minister, Yvette Cooper, said Lebanon must be included in any ceasefire agreement. In remarks reported by Reuters, she also said that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz must be toll-free.
Those comments came as Tehran proposed fees or tolls on vessels seeking safe passage through the strait amid the ceasefire discussions. The proposal has added another layer of uncertainty to an already fragile situation, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a crucial route for international shipping and oil traffic.
Strait of Hormuz talks add to tensions
Donald Trump suggested on Wednesday that the US and Iran could collect tolls through a joint venture. The White House, however, said the priority was to reopen the strait without limitations.
The competing statements reflect the unsettled nature of the talks surrounding the ceasefire and the wider conflict. While some parties are looking for a mechanism to keep shipping moving, others are pushing for unrestricted access and warning against steps that could create new barriers or financial demands on vessels.
Questions over legal basis and planning
In another remark reported by the source, a senior figure said principles and values guided decisions not to become involved in action without a lawful basis and without a viable, thought-through plan. The comment underscored the emphasis being placed on legality and planning as the situation develops.
For now, the picture remains uncertain. Israel is pressing ahead with operations in Lebanon, ceasefire diplomacy is under strain, and the dispute over the Strait of Hormuz is adding further pressure to efforts aimed at reducing the risk of a broader regional confrontation.
With Lebanon’s status unresolved and shipping routes at the center of negotiations, the coming hours are likely to be crucial for whether the ceasefire can be preserved or whether the conflict continues to widen.
