Continued from P1

Following a massive wave of Israeli strikes that killed at least 254 people and injured over 1,100 across Lebanon, Tehran declared that it views the ongoing bombardment as a direct breach of the spirit of the ceasefire.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Washington must now choose between a comprehensive ceasefire or continued war by proxy, warning that the current status is unsustainable.

The instability has immediate consequences for global energy security. In response to what it terms an Israeli violation of the ceasefire, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has maintained a closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil shipments.

Shipping executives remain in a state of high alert as they attempt to navigate the uncertainty, while oil prices have reacted sharply to the supply risk. Brent crude futures rose 2.1% to $96.75 a barrel, and West Texas Intermediate surged 2.6% to $96.89, reflecting market anxiety over the potential for long-term supply chain disruptions.

Despite the deteriorating situation, US and Iranian delegations are still scheduled to meet in Islamabad this weekend to finalize the terms of the truce. However, the diplomatic path forward is fraught with obstacles.

President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning, stating that US military assets will remain in place around Iran until a real, fully compliant agreement is established.