Middle East crisis live: Red Cross ‘outraged’ as Israeli strikes kill at least 254 in Lebanon; strait of Hormuz impasse continues

Key Points:

• Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli attacks on Lebanon, despite a recent two-week ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, with Tehran warning that ships passing without permission will be targeted and destroyed.
• Israel launched massive strikes across Lebanon, killing over 250 people, while the US denies that Lebanon was included in the ceasefire deal, leading to conflicting narratives between Washington and Tehran.
• Iran's parliament speaker accused the US of violating three key clauses of the ceasefire, including the ceasefire in Lebanon, while the US vice-president claimed Iran misunderstood the terms and that Lebanon was never part of the agreement.
• NATO faces criticism from the US, with President Trump expressing frustration over allies' support during the Iran conflict and suggesting the US may consider leaving the alliance; NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte defended European countries' contributions.
• International calls, including from France and Australia, urge that the ceasefire must include Lebanon to be credible and lasting, as ongoing violence risks destabilizing the broader regional truce.