Ceasefire Under Strain as Israel Strikes Kill 16 in Lebanon

Iran signals possible Strait of Hormuz closure amid tensions

A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is under severe strain after renewed Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed at least 16 people, according to Lebanese authorities. The attacks came less than 24 hours after a truce was announced, raising fresh concerns over the durability of the agreement.

The Israeli military said it carried out strikes targeting Hezbollah positions in response to projectile launches overnight from southern Lebanon. The escalation marks one of the most serious breaches since the ceasefire announcement.

Meanwhile, regional diplomacy continues amid rising tensions. Pakistan’s interior minister has arrived in Iran as efforts intensify to prevent further escalation. This comes after planned US–Iran talks in Switzerland were postponed, adding uncertainty to already strained diplomatic channels.

Iranian officials have also escalated rhetoric, stating that the Strait of Hormuz could be closed, a move that would have significant implications for global energy routes and maritime security.

Hezbollah, meanwhile, claimed it had confronted an “infiltration attempt” by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, further highlighting the volatility on the ground.

Lebanese civil defence officials reported that Israeli strikes in the Nabatieh region alone accounted for the 16 fatalities. Authorities also stated that since March 2, the ongoing conflict has resulted in 3,980 deaths and 12,001 injuries in Lebanon.

As fighting and diplomatic manoeuvring continue simultaneously, the region remains on edge, with fears that the ceasefire could collapse entirely.