The ceasefire encountered a severe test on the first day: Israeli air strikes on Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz closed again

# Ceasefire Faces Immediate Test: Israel Strikes Lebanon, Strait of Hormuz Closed Again

(As of 8:20 a.m., April 9)

A newly brokered ceasefire between the United States and Iran has run into major challenges immediately after taking effect. Israel launched large-scale airstrikes on Lebanon, and Iran promptly announced the suspension of oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The disruption to this globally critical energy artery has once again rattled global energy markets, sending tensions soaring across the Middle East. The U.S. and Iran are deeply divided over whether Lebanon is included in the ceasefire: Iran has taken a hardline stance, while the U.S. has drawn a clear line in the sand, casting huge uncertainty over the sustainability of the truce.

The central dispute revolves around the ceasefire's scope. Iran has consistently maintained that conflicts involving Lebanon and Hezbollah should fall under the truce framework, whereas the U.S. and Israel have explicitly stated that Lebanon is not covered. This fundamental rift has derailed the ceasefire on its very first day. According to Xinhua News Agency reports on April 9, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated clearly that three of the 10 ceasefire terms proposed by Iran have already been violated, declaring that "the foundation for negotiations has been blatantly undermined even before talks begin."

Israel's airstrikes on Lebanon have caused heavy casualties, triggering a sharp deterioration in the situation. Citing Lebanon's civil defense authorities, Xinhua reported the strikes have killed at least 254 people and injured 1,165 others. Global oil prices, which had plummeted 13% to $94.50 per barrel for Brent crude following the ceasefire announcement, have seen market expectations thrown into chaos once again amid news of the Strait of Hormuz closure.

The starkly divergent positions on the ceasefire's scope have further complicated the crisis. In an interview with PBS on April 8, former U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed Lebanon was excluded from the two-week U.S.-Iran truce, calling it "a separate conflict" and noting Hezbollah was not covered, adding "that issue will be addressed later." The Israeli Prime Minister's Office issued a statement the same day endorsing Trump's decision on a two-week truce with Iran but emphasizing Lebanon was excluded.

Iran holds the complete opposite view. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi wrote on social media, according to Xinhua, that the U.S.-Iran ceasefire terms are "clear and unambiguous," and the U.S. must choose between the truce and "continuing war through Israel"—"it cannot have both." Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghaei cited Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as saying ending military operations in Lebanon forms an integral part of the U.S.-Iran truce, calling Israel's airstrikes a "gross violation of the ceasefire agreement" and holding the U.S. government "directly responsible." The Financial Times reported Sharif previously announced Iran, the U.S., and their allies had agreed to an immediate ceasefire across all areas including Lebanon—directly contradicting the U.S. position and deepening confusion over the deal's exact terms.

In a social media statement on April 8, Ghalibaf detailed three ceasefire violations as identified by Iran. First, the Lebanon ceasefire term was breached: Sharif had announced a comprehensive truce including Lebanon, yet Israel immediately launched massive airstrikes. Second, Iranian airspace was violated: the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shot down a drone over Lare, Fars province, the same day. Third, Iran's right to uranium enrichment was rejected: the U.S. insists Iran abandon enrichment capabilities, which Iran views as contradicting the agreement's spirit. Ghalibaf struck a firm tone, saying Iran's "deep-seated" distrust of the U.S. stems from repeated breaches of commitments, adding "regrettably, this pattern has repeated itself."

Meanwhile, arrangements for U.S.-Iran negotiations are drawing intense attention. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced April 8 that the two sides will hold their first talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, on the morning of local time April 11. The U.S. has accepted a revised Iranian proposal rather than the original terms, she said. Iranian media previously reported Ghalibaf would lead the Iranian delegation, with U.S. Vice President Vance heading the American team, though informed sources note Iran's delegation leader has not been finalized.

As tensions escalate, Vance has sought to shore up the ceasefire while warning Iran. Speaking in Budapest, Hungary, on April 8 (CCTV reported), Vance said Iran mistakenly believes the truce covers Lebanon, but "that is not the case"—the U.S. "never made such a commitment." He added Israel has indicated willingness to "exercise restraint" in Lebanon to ensure "the success of ongoing negotiations."

On the Strait of Hormuz, Vance was unequivocal: Iran has pledged to keep the strategic waterway open, and failure to honor this commitment would terminate the ceasefire, bringing "severe consequences" for Iran. However, the Financial Times quoted Leavitt denying reports the strait had closed, calling them "false" and noting "traffic through the strait has increased today." This contradictory messaging has left markets uncertain about the actual operational status of the waterway.

Israel's military actions have drawn not only Iran's fierce condemnation but also widespread international concern. French President Emmanuel Macron held phone calls April 8 with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Trump, urging all warring parties to fully uphold ceasefire terms across all conflict zones including Lebanon. Macron stressed "a credible and durable ceasefire requires all parties to halt fighting everywhere." He also spoke with Lebanese President Michel Aoun and Prime Minister Najib Mikati, strongly condemning Israel's "indiscriminate airstrikes" on Lebanon as "directly threatening the ceasefire's sustainability."

Iran's posture of retaliation has grown increasingly apparent. A senior IRGC commander told the Financial Times Iran is "preparing a response" to Israel's attacks. Aerospace Force Commander Majid Mousavi wrote on social media: "An aggression against Hezbollah is an aggression against Iran," adding Iranian forces are ready to "deliver a crushing response." Xinhua cited an Iranian military security source saying Iran is preparing deterrent action against Israeli military targets over continued violations related to Lebanon and Hezbollah. The source noted Israel's persistent strikes despite the truce "either shows the U.S. cannot control the Netanyahu government, or means Israel is acting with U.S. acquiescence."

Against this backdrop, whether the scheduled April 11 U.S.-Iran talks in Islamabad will proceed as planned—and whether substantive progress can be made amid unresolved disputes over the ceasefire's scope—has become a key variable closely monitored by markets.

**Sources**: Xinhua News Agency, CCTV, Financial Times

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