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Iran Halts Oil Traffic Through the Strait of Hormuz as Ceasefire Hangs by a Thread

  • Iran Halts Oil Traffic Through the Strait of Hormuz as Ceasefire Hangs by a Thread.
    Iran Halts Oil Traffic Through the Strait of Hormuz as Ceasefire Hangs by a Thread.
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World
Category:
Politics
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The fragile ceasefire reached between the United States and Iran is under renewed pressure after Iranian media reported that Tehran halted oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz following a major Israeli offensive in Lebanon.

According to Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency, only two oil tankers crossed the strategic waterway after the ceasefire took effect. Tehran then ordered the suspension of further tanker movements, citing Israel’s military escalation in Lebanon as the reason.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, carrying roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies. Any interruption immediately raises concerns over international energy markets and maritime security.

The new tension comes after the Israel Defense Forces announced what it described as the largest coordinated strike in Lebanon since the current conflict began. Israeli aircraft reportedly struck more than 100 Hezbollah-linked targets in approximately 10 minutes. Lebanese authorities said the attacks killed and wounded hundreds of people.

Lebanon’s health minister stated that the scale of the operation marked one of the heaviest days of bombardment since the war began. Regional officials warned that the strikes could jeopardize the ceasefire arrangement negotiated only hours earlier between Washington and Tehran.

Despite the deteriorating situation, both President Donald Trump and Iranian authorities have publicly portrayed the two-week ceasefire agreement as a diplomatic success. Trump said the United States would cooperate with Iran in removing buried uranium and preventing further escalation.

However, the ceasefire remains highly uncertain. Earlier on Wednesday, two US-allied Arab states reported that they had been targeted by Iranian drones and missiles, while Israel indicated that its military operations in Lebanon would continue because Lebanon was not explicitly included in the ceasefire arrangement.

Meanwhile, Shehbaz Sharif invited delegations from both Iran and the United States to Islamabad on Friday in an effort to secure a broader agreement and stabilize the region. Pakistan said it hopes the “Islamabad Talks” can lead to a lasting settlement.

Latest Update

As of Wednesday afternoon, Iranian officials confirmed that negotiations with the United States are expected to begin in Islamabad on Friday and may continue for up to 15 days. Tehran indicated that reopening the Strait of Hormuz and maintaining the ceasefire will depend on guarantees that Israeli strikes in Lebanon stop and that Iran’s broader conditions are met.