Iran has blocked tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and its navy has threatened to destroy any vessel attempting passage without Tehran’s authorisation, as a dispute erupts over whether the US-Iran ceasefire covers Israeli attacks on Lebanon.
Hormuz closure
Iran’s navy sent messages to multiple vessels in the Gulf warning that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, according to maritime sources. The messages, purportedly sent by the Iranian navy, warned that any ship attempting to make the voyage would be targeted.
“Any vessel that attempts to make the sea crossing… will become a target and will be destroyed,” the message read, according to maritime sources.
Lebanon ceasefire dispute
Iran’s armed forces are identifying targets to respond to Israeli attacks on Lebanon, according to Fars news agency. Tehran argues that an end to fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon, is part of the ceasefire it agreed with Washington.
US President Donald Trump, however, has said Lebanon is not covered by the agreement.
Iran and Pakistan
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discussed what he described as Israeli “ceasefire violations” in Lebanon in a phone call today with Pakistani army chief Field Marshal Asir Munir — whose country played a mediating role in brokering the fragile US-Iran ceasefire — according to an official announcement.
Araghchi and Munir underlined the importance of implementing the agreed points between the two countries to strengthen peace and security in the region, the announcement said.
(information from cnn.gr)
Read more: