The world briefly breathed a sigh of relief on Tuesday, U.S. time, after a two-week ceasefire in the Middle East was announced.
The agreement was confirmed by the United States and Iran, following mediation efforts by Pakistan.
Based on initial statements, the ceasefire was expected to cover the entire region, including Lebanon, one of the main flashpoints since the conflict escalated in February, largely involving Israeli operations.
However, on the very same day of the announcement, Israel clarified that while it supports the two-week ceasefire, Lebanon is not included in the agreement.
That position was quickly reflected on the ground.
According to international reports, Israel intensified its military operations in Lebanon, targeting areas in Beirut, including residential and commercial zones, in strikes linked to its campaign against Hezbollah.
The attacks reportedly left more than 180 people dead.
Iran strongly criticized the move, calling it a violation of the ceasefire terms.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the strikes go against the 10-point proposal submitted to United States President Donald Trump, particularly provisions calling for a halt to attacks in Lebanon.
He described the ceasefire and ongoing negotiations as unreasonable, pointing to what he sees as violations on the US side.
This came as the White House also clarified that Lebanon was not part of the ceasefire coverage.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also hit back, saying their agreement, as shared by Pakistan, clearly includes Lebanon.
He condemned the continued strikes and warned that if attacks persist, the war itself could continue.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated further after Iranian media reported that Tehran had once again closed the Strait of Hormuz following the attacks in Lebanon.
Washington described the move as unacceptable.
Meanwhile in a Truth Social post, Trump warned that US forces remain ready to act until what he called a “real agreement” is reached, including the full reopening of the Strait.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on all sides to respect the ceasefire and continue dialogue, in an effort to prevent the situation from spiraling further.—Son Santiago, Eurotv News