US Demands Immediate Reopening of Strait of Hormuz as Ceasefire Between Iran and Washington Faces Early Strains
The United States has called on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz “immediately, quickly and safely,” after reports emerged that the strategic waterway was closed despite a two-week ceasefire agreement between Tehran and Washington.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Wednesday that any closure of the strait is “completely unacceptable.” She added that President Donald Trump expects the waterway to be fully accessible to shipping, without limitations or tolls.
The closure was reportedly a response to Israeli attacks on Lebanon, according to Iranian state media. The Fars news agency, linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, said that although two oil tankers were allowed passage earlier in the day, traffic through the strait was subsequently halted.
The ceasefire, which came into effect on Wednesday, was intended to ease tensions and resume shipping through Hormuz, helping stabilize global oil and gas flows that have been disrupted by recent conflicts.
Violence Escalates in Lebanon
The ceasefire’s fragility was exposed as Israeli airstrikes hit over 100 Hezbollah targets across Beirut, southern Lebanon, and the eastern Bekaa valley. Lebanon’s health ministry reported at least 112 dead and 837 wounded from the strikes, which it described as the largest coordinated attacks in the current conflict.
Israel said it targeted missile launchers, command centers, and intelligence sites, accusing Hezbollah of operating within civilian areas. Iranian military officials warned of a “heavy response” to the attacks, further straining the ceasefire.
Calls for Restraint and Diplomatic Talks
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged all parties to respect the ceasefire, noting violations in some areas of the conflict zone. He emphasized that restraint was crucial for diplomacy to lead to a peaceful resolution.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also spoke with Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir about Israel’s violations, ahead of scheduled peace talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad. The talks are set for Friday, with Pakistan playing a central role in mediating the conflict.
Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the efforts of Pakistani officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Asim Munir, in securing the ceasefire. He thanked Gulf nations, other Muslim countries, and China for supporting the peace process.
The developments underline the fragility of the ceasefire and the urgency of diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the region, especially around the critical Strait of Hormuz.
