The Strait of Hormuz is closed once again

by

Iran declares the Strait of Hormuz closed again after US lifts blockade

Israel and Hezbollah agree to renew their ceasefire, officials say

Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to renew their ceasefire after fighting postponed Iran-U.S. talks in Switzerland, three officials said.

Word of the ceasefire came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. The truce was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said.

Israel and Hezbollah did not immediately comment.

Netanyahu Reaffirms Israel Wont Withdraw From Lebanon Despite US-Iran MoU

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday reaffirmed his position that Israel won’t withdraw from southern Lebanon and end its war in the country despite the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding that calls for an end to the conflict.

“We will restore security and prosperity to northern towns,” Netanyahu said. “That requires maintaining the security zone in southern Lebanon; it requires that we not leave there, as long as Israel’s security needs require it.”

The Israeli military on Thursday also made clear it was not withdrawing from Lebanon and published a new map showing an expanded occupation zone.