Israeli strikes on Lebanon escalate tensions amid fragile US-Iran truce

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East intensified this week as Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon resulted in the deaths of at least 254 people, according to Lebanon’s Civil Defence. The strikes, described as the heaviest since Hezbollah joined the war in March, have raised alarms about the fragile two-week truce between the US and Iran. Iran has threatened to resume hostilities and warned it might close the strait of Hormuz if Israeli attacks continue. Hezbollah responded by firing rockets at northern Israel, citing 'ceasefire violations'.

The situation has created a precarious balance of power in the region. With both Washington and Tehran claiming victory in the ceasefire, the Israeli military's ongoing operations against Hezbollah expose the fragility of this agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the country is prepared to confront Iran if necessary, emphasizing the military's goal of disarming Hezbollah. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has indicated that US forces are on standby should the conflict escalate further. The UN has warned that continued Israeli attacks pose a 'grave risk' to the ceasefire, urging all parties to cease hostilities.

What to watch: High-stakes talks in Pakistan are expected on Friday, where the reopening of the strait of Hormuz will be a central topic.