Middle East crisis live: Israel says Iran war ceasefire doesn’t include Lebanon as air strikes continue
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- The US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire after weeks of conflict, with Iran conditionally accepting the ceasefire if attacks cease and allowing passage through the Strait of Hormuz under its control.
- The ceasefire does not clearly include Lebanon, where Israel continues military operations against Hezbollah, causing confusion and ongoing violence despite ceasefire claims by Iran and Pakistan.
- The conflict has had severe consequences including thousands of civilian deaths, regional destabilization, economic disruption, and damage to US credibility and influence, with experts labeling the war a strategic and political failure for the US and Israel.
- International reactions are mixed: some leaders welcome the ceasefire as a hopeful step, while others warn it is temporary and insufficient, emphasizing the risk of renewed hostilities and the need for sustained diplomatic efforts.
- The war has exposed limitations in US military power and regional alliances, strengthened Iranian and Russian positions, and left unresolved issues such as Iran’s nuclear program and control over the Strait of Hormuz.
