Israel Fires 100 Missiles at Lebanon, Killing 250; Iran Responds by Closing the Strait of Hormuz
Israel carried on with its military actions in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, resulting in 89 deaths and 722 injuries, which led to protests from Iran.
Citing local media reports, the Associated Press stated that less than 24 hours after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire with Iran, the Islamic Republic has closed the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for Israeli attacks on Lebanon.
The US and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire on Wednesday morning, under which Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz—a move expected to resume global energy supplies. However, the Israeli military carried out more than 100 airstrikes in Lebanon within a span of just 10 minutes.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly endorsed the US decision regarding the ceasefire with Iran but has clarified that Lebanon is not included in the agreement.
Netanyahu wrote on X: “Israel supports President Trump’s decision to halt attacks against Iran for two weeks, provided that Iran immediately reopens the straits and ceases all attacks against the US, Israel, and regional nations.”
However, in a separate post, he added: “The United States has assured Israel that it remains committed to achieving these objectives in upcoming negotiations, which will involve the US, Israel, and Israel’s regional allies. The two-week ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon.”
Israel continued its military operations against Lebanon and Hezbollah, resulting in 112 deaths and 837 injuries, prompting a protest from Iran.
US Response
On Wednesday, the United States stated that Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz “immediately, quickly, and safely” amidst reports that this vital waterway has been closed despite the US-Iran ceasefire.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that any such closure is “completely unacceptable.”
“I will reiterate the president’s expectation and demand that the Strait of Hormuz be reopened immediately, quickly, and safely.”
Trump Backs Israeli Strikes on Lebanon
Earlier this morning, Trump voiced support for Israel’s ongoing military operations in Lebanon, stating that Hezbollah was “not included” in the recent ceasefire agreement reached between Washington and Tehran—a deal that had halted fighting in West Asia for two weeks.
Speaking to PBS News, when asked why Lebanon was still being targeted despite the announcement of a ceasefire, Trump replied, “Yes, they were not included in the deal.”
When asked why Israeli military action in Lebanon was excluded from the agreement, Trump responded, “Because of Hezbollah. They were not included in the deal. That, too, will be taken care of. No problem.”
When asked if he approved of the Israeli military continuing its attacks in Lebanon, Trump told PBS News, “That is part of the deal—everyone knows that. It is a separate conflict.”
