Iran threatens truce over Lebanon strikes, tightens Hormuz control

Less than 24 hours after the US–Iran ceasefire took effect, signs of strain are already evident. Iran is demanding that Israel halt its attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon as a condition for advancing talks scheduled for Saturday in Islamabad.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Wednesday the ceasefire “cannot proceed” while Israel continues its strikes in Lebanon, after President Donald Trump said the Lebanon file was “not included in the deal,” describing Israel’s offensive as “a separate skirmish.”

Israel escalated its campaign Wednesday, saying it struck 100 Hezbollah targets in just 10 minutes — one of the bloodiest days in Lebanon since the war began. Lebanon’s Civil Defense reported at least 254 people killed and more than 1,000 wounded.

The ceasefire has also failed to stabilize the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping remains constrained despite Trump’s assertion that the truce was contingent on free passage. Only four ships transited the waterway on Wednesday — the lowest daily total this month — according to S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Underscoring mixed US messaging, both Trump and the White House shared a post from Araghchi stating that traffic during the two-week ceasefire would fall under the oversight of Iran’s armed forces.

On Wednesday morning, Iran warned via marine VHF radio that ships without permission from the Revolutionary Guard navy risked being destroyed, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Gulf states issued brief statements welcoming the ceasefire, despite having come under Iranian attack Wednesday in spite of the truce.

Vice President JD Vance is expected to join special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner for ceasefire talks with Iranian officials in Islamabad on Saturday.