New Delhi: Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, set to take effect from Thursday 5 pm (Eastern Time), offering a temporary pause in hostilities.
According to Israeli media reports, the army has been instructed to prepare for the ceasefire, which was earlier expected to begin overnight.
Amid the broader regional tensions, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Iran to ensure freedom of navigation and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. This marks China’s first such appeal after Iran began restricting movement along the key maritime route during its conflict with the United States.
Meanwhile, Iran has taken a firm stance against what it calls a US naval blockade. Iran’s joint military command has warned that if the blockade of its ports is not lifted, it could disrupt all maritime trade across the Gulf region.
US President Donald Trump struck an optimistic tone, saying the ongoing conflict with Iran is “very close” to ending.
At the same time, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated plans to tighten economic pressure on Iran, including secondary sanctions on financial institutions dealing with Tehran, describing it as “financial warfare.”
US Central Command’s Admiral Brad Cooper confirmed that American forces have effectively blocked all sea routes leading to Iran, preventing any vessels from passing in the last 48 hours.
