Iran announced Friday that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all commercial vessels, hours after a fragile ceasefire took effect between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The truce follows seven weeks of devastating conflict that killed nearly 2,300 Lebanese civilians, including hundreds of women and children.
Ceasefire Terms and Violations
Lebanon’s health ministry reported 2,294 deaths since fighting erupted March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel following the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei. The preliminary toll includes 274 women, 177 children, and 100 health workers. Despite the ceasefire agreement, Lebanese state media documented an Israeli strike Friday that killed one person in southern Lebanon. Israel maintains the right to target Hezbollah militants deemed an imminent threat under the truce terms.
Hezbollah’s political wing condemned the Lebanese government for accepting what it called submissive terms that undermine national sovereignty. The group pledged cautious adherence to the ceasefire while demanding comprehensive implementation across all Lebanese territories. Israel announced its forces will maintain an indefinite occupation of a security zone spanning Lebanon’s southern border, a provision Hezbollah rejects as violating Lebanese territorial integrity.
Strait of Hormuz Access Restricted
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard clarified that while commercial shipping may transit the strategic waterway, military vessels remain prohibited. The announcement followed the passage of two American destroyers through the strait into the Arabian Gulf, prompting Iranian threats of severe retaliation against future military transits. Only non-military ships with proper authorization from Iran’s navy may use designated routes through the narrow passage that handles roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments.
Western Powers Convene Emergency Talks
French President Emmanuel Macron hosted emergency discussions in Paris with British, German, and Italian leaders to address navigation freedom through the Strait of Hormuz. More than 30 representatives from Europe, Asia, and Latin America joined virtually to coordinate potential responses. The talks underscore Western concerns about Iran’s ability to disrupt global energy markets and international commerce through the critical chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf to open ocean.
