US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States expects a complete ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon, Hezbollah, and Israel, following the signing of a US-Iran agreement. In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged all parties in the Middle East to maintain their commitment to allowing negotiations to proceed.
The US Central Command (Centcom) has ended its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which had been in effect since 13 April. Marine Traffic data showed at least seven ships crossing the strait on Thursday. However, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that military action and the blockade could be reimposed if Iran fails to meet its commitments under the agreement.
Despite the ceasefire deal, violence continues. Three people were killed in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese state media, and Hezbollah reported fresh clashes with Israeli forces near the town of Arnoun. Hezbollah said its fighters were engaged in ongoing clashes with an Israeli force attempting to advance.
JD Vance stated that a 60-day period for finalising the agreement with Iran has begun, setting a deadline of 17 August. Special envoy Steve Witkoff told US lawmakers that Iran plans to invite the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to inspect its nuclear sites following the deal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasised the importance of maintaining close ties with the US, saying Washington had stood by Israel during the war. However, relations have come under strain over the US-Iran agreement, which has faced sharp criticism from Israeli analysts. Netanyahu has not yet commented directly on the deal.
Pakistan’s foreign ministry announced that the signing ceremony in Switzerland, scheduled for Friday, has been cancelled as the Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran was already signed remotely. The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, faced diplomatic fallout after Israel severed relations over her comments comparing the country to apartheid South Africa.
