US President Donald Trump criticized Iran’s management of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a “very poor job.” He said the current situation does not align with “the agreement” between the US and Iran, and insisted that oil will continue to flow through the Strait of Hormuz regardless of Iran’s cooperation. His comments further underscored the uncertainty surrounding the ceasefire, raising questions over the actual scope of the deal.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that his government is getting ready for direct talks with Lebanon. The negotiations are expected to focus on disarming Hezbollah and advancing toward normalised relations. Despite this, airstrikes in Lebanon continued on Friday.
A US State Department official said Washington will host a meeting next week on ceasefire efforts involving Israel and Lebanon. While Beirut pushed for a halt in fighting before discussions, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the idea, insisting there is no ceasefire in Lebanon.
Israeli strikes continued across Lebanon on Thursday, mainly targeting Hezbollah positions, though the intensity eased overnight. US President Donald Trump said Israel would “tone down” its operations to support diplomacy, adding that military activity was being scaled back.
In Beirut, fresh evacuation warnings were issued after strikes hit southern suburbs, including areas near two major hospitals. The WHO warned that hundreds of patients, including critical cases, could not be safely relocated amid overcrowded medical facilities.
