Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday (9 April) that he had authorized direct talks with Lebanon “as soon as possible”, even as the fragile ceasefire linked to the Iran conflict shows signs of strain.
Netanyahu said the move followed requests from Lebanon and would focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations. He also welcomed the Lebanese Prime Minister’s call for the demilitarization of Beirut.
There was no immediate response from Lebanon.
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Truce under pressure
A tentative truce between Iran and the United States appeared increasingly fragile, burdened by continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon and tensions over key terms.
Israel carried out heavy bombing in Beirut, marking one of the deadliest days in Lebanon since the conflict began on 28 February.
Disputes have also emerged over whether the truce includes a halt to fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, with Iran insisting it does so while Israel and the US deny such provisions.
Israel promises continued strikes
Netanyahu has made it clear that military operations against Hezbollah will continue despite the ceasefire.
“Israel will continue to strike Hezbollah with force, precision and determination,” he said.
Lebanon’s health ministry has reported that at least 203 people have been killed and more than 1,000 injured in recent Israeli airstrikes, underscoring the scale of the escalation.
Iran warns of ‘strong response’
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has warned that continued Israeli attacks on Hezbollah will have consequences.
He said such actions would bring “explicit costs and STRONG responses”, signaling a potential escalation if the strikes persist.
Iran has also accused Israel of violating the ceasefire and warned that continued attacks could derail negotiations.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint
The ceasefire was also complicated by Iran’s continued control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route.
Iranian officials said shipping remained limited, with it uncertain when normal transit would resume.
Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said the ships would be allowed to pass in accordance with international law once US “aggression” ends and Israeli attacks in Lebanon end.
Meanwhile, UAE energy chief Sultan Al Jaber stressed the need for unrestricted access, saying ships must be allowed to “navigate this corridor without conditions”.
Oil prices rise due to uncertainty
The Hormuz disruption has driven oil prices higher, with Brent crude trading near $98 a barrel – up roughly 35% since the conflict began.
Traffic through the strait remains minimal, with vessels avoiding the route due to fears of attacks and possible sea mines.
Key issues loom over peace talks
As the US and Iran prepare for talks in Islamabad, several critical questions remain unresolved:
-Control and access to the Strait of Hormuz
-Iran’s nuclear program and stockpile of enriched uranium
-Regional security, including the role of Hezbollah
Iran’s nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami said protecting the country’s right to enrich uranium was “essential” to any deal, while the US insisted Tehran must not develop nuclear weapons.
The truce is threatened
Despite the pause in direct hostilities between the US and Iran, the broader conflict remains volatile.
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