Iran responds to Israel's airstrike on Hezbollah in Lebanon, decides to close Strait of Hormuz again

Tehran: Hours after ceasefire with United States and Israel, Iran has decided to close the Strait of Hormuz again after Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah killed hundreds in Lebanon. The conflict in West Asia appears to be flaring up once again. Within 24 hours of the ceasefire announcement, Iran has once again declared that it is closing the Strait of Hormuz. According to reports, this decision was taken by Iran following continued Israeli attacks on Lebanon.

It is noteworthy that a ceasefire had been announced by Iran, Israel, and the United States just a few hours earlier. Expressing its agreement, Iran had also granted permission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The entire world breathed a sigh of relief following this decision by Iran. Markets across the globe had welcomed this ceasefire. However, just a few hours later, restrictions have once again been imposed on the Strait of Hormuz.

What is the Lebanon Dispute?

The entire issue regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is linked to Israeli attacks on Lebanon. In the war that began following an attack on Iran on February 28, Lebanon's Hezbollah—lending its support to Iran—launched attacks against Israel. Subsequently, Israel initiated a military campaign against Lebanon. Within just a few days, the Israeli military also launched ground operations. Israel has conducted extensive operations in Lebanon over the past two weeks. So far, more than 1,500 people have lost their lives in Lebanon as a result of these Israeli attacks.

Is Israel Adamant on Attacking Lebanon?

On Tuesday, when Trump announced a ceasefire to halt the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel openly supported the move. However, a complication arose when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly stated that Lebanon was not included in this ceasefire agreement. He asserted that Israel would continue its attacks on Lebanon.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu openly stated: "Israel supports President Trump's decision to suspend attacks against Iran for a period of two weeks—provided that Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz and ceases attacks against the United States, Israel, and all other nations. The United States has assured Israel of its commitment to achieving these objectives, which constitute shared goals for the US, Israel, and their regional allies. This two-week ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon."

Notably, the agreement brokered through Pakistan's mediation had included provisions regarding Lebanon's inclusion. This issue subsequently created a situation of unease between the two parties. Iran also issued a threat to Israel, warning that if Israel did not cease its attacks on Lebanon, Iran would, in turn, target Tel Aviv. Amidst this exchange of rhetoric from both sides, US President Donald Trump explicitly clarified that Lebanon is not covered under this ceasefire agreement. Following this, Iran once again halted the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.