US-Israel Iran War Live Updates

Abdel-Malik al-Houthi, the Houthi movement’s leader in Yemen, has hailed the recently brokered truce between the US and Iran as a resounding triumph for Tehran and its allies within the “axis of resistance”, a coalition of Iran-aligned groups spanning the Middle East.
According to a statement aired by the Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV, al-Houthi described the ceasefire announcement as a significant victory for the Islamic Republic of Iran, the countries comprising the axis of resistance, the global Islamic community, and the world’s free peoples.
In a video address, al-Houthi further emphasized that the conflict had effectively re-established a deterrent in Iran’s strategic position.

Tehran has unveiled a set of conditions it claims will govern its management of the strategic waterway going forward. Although the US has yet to explicitly endorse these terms ahead of a scheduled meeting in Islamabad on Saturday, experts warn that Iran’s continued dominance over the strait will likely face resistance from Washington and other nations.
During the recent crisis, only a limited number of vessels from countries deemed friendly to Iran and those that have paid a toll have been granted safe passage. It is reported that at least two tolls have been paid in Chinese yuan, a move that appears to be a deliberate attempt to undermine the US dollar and circumvent US sanctions. Notably, China, which accounts for 80 percent of Iran’s oil exports, has already been paying Tehran in yuan.

In a move shrouded in secrecy, the Israeli government has greenlit a record-breaking 34 new settlements across the occupied West Bank, a decision reportedly made at the behest of the US administration. This development is particularly noteworthy, as it paves the way for the establishment of settlements not only in areas devoid of Palestinian residents but also within the boundaries of Palestinian-controlled cities, specifically those designated as Area A. This unprecedented approval is in line with the Israeli coalition’s 2022 manifesto, which envisions the full annexation of the occupied West Bank. Notably, this marks the 103rd settlement approval since the current government took office.

In a stern rebuke, Russia’s Foreign Ministry has denounced Israel’s military actions in Lebanon, cautioning that they imperil the delicate negotiation process currently underway. According to a ministry statement, these aggressive measures are precipitating a humanitarian crisis and exacerbating Lebanon’s precarious social and economic situation.

Observers are questioning Iran’s commitment to maintaining the ceasefire in Lebanon, despite ongoing Israeli airstrikes, with analyst Sultan Barakat suggesting that Tehran’s reluctance to call off the truce is a testament to its desire to protect the Lebanese people.

From a Lebanese viewpoint, Barakat notes that people will be scrutinizing Iran’s stance, wondering if it genuinely intends to safeguard their interests. He also believes that both Iran and the US require the pause to replenish their resources and regroup, making further negotiations a viable option, albeit with the risk of the US not engaging in good faith.

Barakat cautions that Iran must be cautious in its dealings with the US, particularly when it comes to regional mediation, as there are many questions that need to be answered before accepting any proposed agreement. He warns that if Iran loses Pakistan as a mediator and the GCC countries continue to distance themselves, it will be left with limited diplomatic options, potentially leading to a confrontation.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has indicated that Germany will collaborate with other nations to safeguard the Strait of Hormuz, contingent upon the successful negotiation of a peace agreement between Iran and the United States, as well as the fulfillment of specific conditions. Merz expressed confidence that the US President’s intentions are not aimed at annihilating an entire civilization, in response to a provocative statement made by the US leader in recent days.

Germany is presently engaging in direct dialogue with the Iranian leadership, marking a significant shift following a prolonged period of diplomatic inactivity, which was necessitated by compelling reasons. These talks will be conducted in tandem with the US and European allies. Merz also voiced concern over Israel’s ongoing military operations in Lebanon, warning that this could jeopardize the entire peace process and must be prevented from happening.

The International Maritime Organization, a key component of the United Nations, has sounded the alarm over the potential introduction of a toll for the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) is transported. According to IMO officials, such a move would have far-reaching implications and set a concerning precedent.

A representative for the IMO emphasized that no international agreement currently exists that allows for the imposition of tolls on ships transiting international straits. This stance is rooted in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which has been adopted by IMO member states. Under this convention, ships are granted the right to pass through international straits without hindrance.

The warning from the IMO comes in response to reports from Iranian media suggesting that Iran is contemplating the imposition of fees ranging from $2 million per vessel to $1 per barrel of oil, with a portion of the revenue potentially shared with Oman.

In a recent development, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has reportedly issued a directive to initiate direct dialogue with Lebanon at the earliest opportunity, following what he described as a request from Beirut. This move comes despite ongoing Israeli military operations in Lebanon, which persisted even after a ceasefire was brokered between the US and Iran. A disagreement had earlier arisen over whether Lebanon was included in the agreement.

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has expressed optimism about a recent initiative calling for a ceasefire with Israel, which has reportedly garnered a positive reception. This development marks the beginning of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, a move that President Aoun believes is crucial for resolving the ongoing conflict.

According to the Israeli Health Ministry, a staggering 7,451 individuals have been left injured since the commencement of hostilities, primarily resulting from missile strikes originating from Iran and Lebanon.