Iran is once again threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz, testing the fragile ceasefire that followed the recent war in the region, while tensions between Israel and Hezbollah remain high in Lebanon.

According to the Associated Press, Iran has once again announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, as clashes between Israel and Hezbollah continue in Lebanon.

The latest escalation follows an Israeli airstrike that killed two people, according to Lebanon’s state news agency, marking the first Israeli attack on the country since the latest ceasefire took effect last Saturday.

Earlier, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, stated on Wednesday that the United States has not asked Israel to withdraw its forces from Lebanon, emphasizing that the Israeli military presence will continue as long as Hezbollah remains a threat to the country’s soldiers and civilians. For its part, Hezbollah insists that it will not stop its attacks unless Israel commits to a complete withdrawal.

“We are not withdrawing, and, to date—which is also a diplomatic success—there has been no U.S. request for Israel to withdraw from Lebanon,” Katz stated.

Meanwhile, Lebanese and Israeli officials are expected to meet again this week in Washington. Beirut hopes that direct negotiations will lead to a concrete roadmap for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory.

Source: skai.gr