Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon and the wider diplomatic fallout from the US-Iran ceasefire continued to dominate the regional picture on Thursday, with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying there would be “no ceasefire in Lebanon” as Israel attacked what it described as Hezbollah launch sites.
The comments came shortly after Donald Trump told US media that he had asked Netanyahu to be more “low-key”. The Israeli military said it was striking Hezbollah targets, underscoring the fragile and fast-moving state of the conflict even as ceasefire efforts continue elsewhere in the region.
UK says Lebanon must be included in ceasefire talks
UK foreign minister Yvette Cooper said Lebanon must be included in any ceasefire agreement. In remarks reported by Reuters, she also said shipping through the Strait of Hormuz must be toll-free.
The comments reflect growing concern that negotiations focused on one theatre of the crisis cannot ignore the wider regional impact, particularly on Lebanon and on key maritime routes.
Ceasefire talks have also brought renewed attention to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping lanes. Tehran has proposed fees or tolls on vessels that pass through safely. On Wednesday, Trump suggested the US and Iran could collect tolls in a joint venture, while the White House said its priority was reopening the strait without limitations.
Regional tensions remain high
The latest Israeli strikes on Lebanon have prompted condemnation, adding to international alarm over the risk of the conflict widening further. The bombardment followed the US-Iran ceasefire, but did not appear to ease tensions on the ground.
Israel says it is targeting Hezbollah military infrastructure, while the Lebanese side faces the consequences of continued air attacks and the uncertainty surrounding diplomatic efforts. The situation remains fluid, with each new statement from regional and international leaders shaping the next phase of negotiations.
Trump’s remarks about wanting Netanyahu to be more restrained added another layer to the diplomatic pressure already surrounding the conflict. At the same time, the White House has emphasized that the strategic goal is to restore normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz without restrictions.
With Lebanon excluded from any narrow ceasefire understanding, according to Netanyahu’s latest comments, the prospect of a broader settlement appears even more complicated. The overlap of military action, ceasefire diplomacy, and maritime security continues to drive the crisis across multiple fronts.
As talks continue, the central questions remain whether any agreement can include Lebanon, how the Strait of Hormuz will be handled, and whether the current ceasefire dynamics can hold amid renewed strikes and competing demands from Washington, Tehran, and regional actors.
This is a developing story.
