Washington (TDI): Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their fragile ceasefire by three weeks, US President Donald Trump said on Thursday. The announcement comes as diplomatic efforts to end the wider Middle East conflict, particularly with Iran, remain stalled.
Trump made the announcement after meeting ambassadors from both countries, despite continued reports of Israeli strikes in Lebanon and rocket fire attributed to Hezbollah, which was not part of the Washington talks. The original ceasefire had been set to expire on Sunday.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said there was “a very good chance” of achieving peace, adding that it “should be an easy one.” However, he also indicated that the United States is in no hurry to end its confrontation with Iran, saying “the clock is ticking” for Tehran.
The US has increased its military presence in the region, with a third aircraft carrier deployed to the Middle East while Iranian media reported explosions and air defense activity over Tehran.
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Diplomatic efforts have been complicated by tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. Iran has restricted maritime traffic in the area in response to the conflict, while the US has imposed its own naval blockade on Iranian ports.
Trump said he had ordered the US Navy to destroy any vessels suspected of laying mines in the strait and warned that Iranian boats engaged in such activity would be targeted. He also ruled out the use of nuclear weapons against Iran, while maintaining pressure on Tehran.
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The US military confirmed that it has intercepted vessels linked to Iranian oil shipments and conducted boarding operations in the Indian Ocean. CENTCOM said dozens of ships have been redirected since the blockade began.
Iran, meanwhile, claims it has begun collecting toll revenues from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz and has reinforced its naval presence in the region.
