Iran suspended oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday following Israeli strikes on Lebanon that killed at least 89 people, according to Iranian state media. The closure came just hours after the strategic waterway had reopened under a fragile 14-day ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran.
The Fars news agency, linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard, announced the suspension of petroleum vessel passage through the strait. The move represents a direct challenge to the truce brokered by the US, which had secured the waterway's reopening on Tuesday evening.
Israeli forces launched a massive bombardment campaign across Lebanon on Wednesday morning, striking multiple cities including Beirut, Sidon, and Baalbek. Lebanon's Health Minister reported 722 wounded in addition to the fatalities. Médecins Sans Frontières described a "massive influx" of casualties overwhelming hospitals across the country.
The attacks occurred despite the ceasefire announcement, highlighting fundamental disagreements about the agreement's scope. President Trump clarified that Lebanon was deliberately excluded from the truce, stating the Hezbollah conflict remains separate from US-Iran negotiations.
Por causa del Hezbollah, nós não incluímos o Líbano no cessar-fogo, e o Irã sabe disso
Donald Trump, US President — G1 Globo
Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned of a "regrettable response" if attacks on Lebanon continue, according to state media. The Guard had previously expressed distrust of Washington's promises, saying it kept "a finger on the trigger" despite the ceasefire talks.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared the ceasefire broken, confirming that two Iranian islands, Lavan and Siri, were bombed on Wednesday. Iran's National Oil Company also reported what it called a "cowardly attack" on its refinery at Lavan Island in the Persian Gulf.
The crisis extends beyond the Strait of Hormuz. Kuwait intercepted multiple drones throughout Wednesday morning, while Iraq reported Iranian-backed armed groups launched drone attacks near diplomatic facilities and Baghdad's airport.
Trump claimed a "total and complete victory" over Iran, asserting the country would cease uranium enrichment and allow US teams to remove nuclear materials from damaged underground facilities. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared Iran's defense industrial base "completely destroyed."
Pakistan, serving as a key mediator, scheduled formal negotiations to begin Friday in Islamabad to establish a permanent agreement. However, Iran has reportedly presented ten demands to end the conflict, with Trump indicating only some points are "acceptable" to the United States.
The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly 20% of global oil traffic, making its closure a significant economic threat. The waterway's status now depends on whether Israeli operations in Lebanon continue and how Iran interprets the ceasefire's boundaries.
Frames the story as a direct Iranian response to Israeli aggression, emphasizing the cyclical nature of escalation while highlighting Trump's claims of regime change in Iran. The outlet presents the ceasefire as fragile and focuses on the immediate tactical implications of the Hormuz closure.
Takes a skeptical view of the ceasefire's viability, emphasizing continued violence and disputed terms while highlighting Iran's distrust of US promises. The outlet frames the situation as chaotic and unresolved, questioning the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts.
Provides comprehensive live coverage focusing on the technical breakdown of ceasefire terms and escalating regional tensions. The outlet emphasizes the complexity of multiple conflict zones and presents the situation as rapidly evolving with uncertain outcomes.