Israel Confirms 'No Ceasefire' with Lebanon Amid Sensitive US-Iran Talks

Middle East - Ekhbary News Agency

Simultaneous Escalation and Crucial Negotiations

In simultaneous developments reflecting the complex regional landscape, Israel has confirmed the absence of any ceasefire with Lebanon, just as direct negotiations between the United States and Iran are set to commence in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad. This news emerges amidst notable statements from British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, who stressed the necessity of "reopening" the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that "no country can close such a maritime passage" as it "conflicts with the fundamental principles of the Law of the Sea." Cooper added that "the most important thing for us" is the "full and unconditional opening of the strait," describing it as a "pivotal part not only of the current ceasefire but for the long-term future of the region."

Unified US and UK Stance on the Strait of Hormuz

For his part, US President Donald Trump took to the "Truth Social" platform to issue sharp criticism of Iran, describing its actions "regarding allowing oil to pass through the Strait of Hormuz" as "very bad, and frankly, disgraceful." Trump emphasized, "That is not the deal that we have!". In a related development, the office of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that he and President Trump are in the "next stage of finding a solution" to open the Strait of Hormuz. A statement from the Prime Minister's office indicated that Starmer, who had just arrived in Qatar, discussed with Trump the UK's efforts to "rally partners to agree on an actionable plan" to reopen the waterway.

Regional Efforts to Contain Escalation

On the regional front, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdel Atty, during a meeting in Baghdad, underscored the importance of supporting negotiations between Iran and the United States, and joint efforts to contain escalation in Lebanon. Both sides stressed the need to intensify efforts to maintain the truce and avoid any escalation, while enhancing regional and international coordination. Egypt expressed its support for Iraq's security and stability, emphasizing the importance of their roles in de-escalating regional tensions.

Death of Former Iranian Foreign Minister and Sensitive Negotiations

In a tragic development, former Iranian Foreign Minister and head of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, Kamal Kharazi, died from injuries sustained days earlier in an airstrike. Kharazi and his wife were targeted last week by US and Israeli airstrikes; his wife was killed on the same day, while he sustained serious injuries. This occurs as the Iranian negotiating delegation has arrived in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, for direct talks with a US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance. Iran's Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who heads the negotiating delegation, warned that continued Israeli attacks on Lebanon could lead Tehran to consider the "ceasefire violated," indicating that negotiations would "lose their meaning" in such a scenario.

Mutual Criticisms and US Assurances

In a related context, US President Donald Trump criticized the editorial board of "The Wall Street Journal," calling it "among the worst and most inaccurate in the world." Trump asserted in a post on "Truth Social" that what has been achieved is "a victory, not an early one," stressing that Iran "will never have nuclear weapons" thanks to his policies. He added that oil flow would resume soon "with or without Iran's help," considering it makes no difference to him.