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Iran claims Israeli strikes breach ceasefire agreement
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh has accused Israel of violating a two-week ceasefire deal brokered by the United States, asserting that Lebanon was explicitly covered under the agreement. The US and Israel dispute this interpretation.
Casualties reported in Israeli airstrikes
Lebanese health officials reported at least 203 deaths on Wednesday following Israeli airstrikes targeting what Israel described as Hezbollah command centers and military sites. The strikes have escalated tensions amid conflicting claims over the ceasefire's scope.
Hezbollah's response and Iran's stance
Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group, stated it launched overnight attacks into Israel in retaliation for what it termed ceasefire violations. The group vowed to continue its operations until "Israeli-American aggression" against Lebanon ceases.
"Hezbollah is a Lebanese freedom movement," Khatibzadeh told the BBC, adding that Iran provides the group with "support." He insisted Hezbollah had "abided" by the ceasefire, despite ongoing hostilities.
Dispute over Strait of Hormuz
Khatibzadeh addressed Iran's warning that ships traversing the Strait of Hormuz without permission would be "targeted and destroyed," despite the ceasefire's terms allowing safe passage. He clarified that Iran would comply with international law but emphasized the need for a protocol to prevent misuse by warships.
The strait, a critical route for global oil and gas shipments, has been effectively blocked by Iran since the conflict began on February 28, disrupting international trade. While Iranian state media reported the closure persisted, the White House denied the claims, citing increased maritime traffic.
US and Iran trade accusations
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt dismissed reports of the strait's closure as false, reaffirming the US commitment to keeping the waterway open. President Trump, in a Truth Social post, warned that US forces would remain in the region until Iran fully adhered to the agreement.
Khatibzadeh expressed skepticism about reaching a lasting deal with Washington, accusing the US of using negotiations as a pretext for military action. He confirmed Iran would monitor developments closely ahead of scheduled talks in Pakistan.
"As a diplomat, I'm hopeful we can settle this in our national and regional interest," he said.
Uncertainty over diplomatic progress
The ceasefire, described by Trump as a "workable framework," requires all parties-including allies-to observe the truce. However, conflicting interpretations and ongoing violence cast doubt on its durability. Iran and the US remain at odds over the agreement's terms and enforcement.
