Following a US-Iran agreement for a two-week ceasefire, Israel stated it supports the deal only if Iran opens the Strait of Hormuz and halts attacks, excluding Lebanon from the truce.
Israel Exempts Lebanon From Ceasefire Agreement
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced support for the Washington-brokered ceasefire with Iran, contingent on Iran’s immediate opening of vital waterways and cessation of attacks against the US, Israel, and regional allies. However, the statement explicitly stated the two-week ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon.
This position contrasts with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s assertion, who helped negotiate the US-Iran deal, that the ceasefire “applies to all parties to the conflict, including their allies, and applies everywhere, including Lebanon.”
Trump Announces Ceasefire, Cites Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire on his Truth Social platform, stating it followed discussions with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Marshal Asim Munir, who requested he halt deployment of destructive forces to Iran. The condition for the ceasefire is Iran’s “COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz.”
Intensified Israeli Military Campaign in Southern Lebanon
Since early March, Israel has conducted an intensive military campaign in southern Lebanon, targeting the pro-Iranian Hezbollah group. According to Lebanese health ministry data, at least 1530 people, including 130 children, have been killed in Israeli attacks since March 2nd, forcing approximately 1.2 million residents of southern Lebanon to evacuate their homes.
Concerns Mount Over Lebanon’s Escalating Situation
Recent weeks in Lebanon have also seen the deaths of UN peacekeeping soldiers, journalists, and medical personnel. A UN investigation into the deaths of three Indonesian peacekeepers revealed one was killed by a shell fired from an Israeli tank, and two by an explosive device likely planted by Hezbollah. UN Humanitarian Affairs Chief Tom Fletcher expressed concern that Lebanon could become “another Gaza,” citing Israel’s widespread, indiscriminate attacks, infrastructure destruction, and treatment of remaining residents as targets.
White House Declares “Victory,” Details Remain Vague
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt declared the two-week ceasefire with Iran a “win for the United States,” adding that the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened. However, specifics of the agreement remain unclear. Leavitt stated Trump had initially estimated the war would last 4-6 weeks, with key military objectives achieved within 38 days.
Iran Claims “Great Victory,” Demands Sanctions Relief
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council released a statement claiming a “great victory,” forcing the US to accept a ten-point Iranian plan. This plan reportedly includes the US agreeing to lift all primary and secondary sanctions against Iran and withdraw US combat forces from regional bases, allowing Iran to maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz, and accepting Iran’s uranium enrichment program.