OTTAWA – A ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is facing significant challenges due to ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon, as reported by CBC News on Thursday.

Conflicting Reports on Ceasefire Terms

The U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire contingent on Iran ensuring the “complete, immediate, and safe opening” of the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran has stated it will maintain control of the Strait of Hormuz until the situation in Lebanon is resolved.

According to CBC News’ Megan Williams, reporting from Dubai, the UAE Ministry of Defense reported that, for the first time in six weeks, the country was not targeted by Iranian attacks. Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister also spoke with his Iranian counterpart, discussing de-escalation and security – a significant shift from the previous day when a Saudi pipeline was reportedly bombed by Iran.

Negotiations are planned in Pakistan, with an Iranian delegation expected to arrive in Islamabad. However, Iran’s deputy foreign minister stated that any progress is contingent on the U.S. ceasing attacks on Lebanon. Pakistan’s high commissioner to the U.K. expressed confidence in the talks, citing a desire for peace from both sides.

Strait of Hormuz Access Disputed

Iran reportedly maintains a strong hold on the Strait of Hormuz. Its deputy foreign minister claimed the strait belongs to Iran and Oman, and that any security guarantees for shipping are tied to a U.S. withdrawal. Reports suggest Iran is demanding payment – ranging from $1 to $2 million per ship, payable in Bitcoin – for passage, threatening to destroy tankers that do not comply. These actions have been widely condemned, including by the U.N.’s International Maritime Organization and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.

Lebanon Attacks and International Response

CBC News’ Crystal Gumansing, reporting from London, detailed new evacuation orders in Beirut’s southern suburbs following heavy Israeli strikes. Western leaders have condemned the strikes, with some arguing they violate the ceasefire agreement, despite U.S. and Israeli assertions that Lebanon was not included in the truce.

Iran’s deputy foreign minister told the BBC that the attacks on Lebanon were a violation of the agreement with the U.S., and called on the U.S. to restrain its ally, Israel. The EU’s foreign policy chief also stated that Israel’s actions were difficult to reconcile with self-defense, given the high number of casualties.

Lebanon’s prime minister has requested assistance from Pakistan to end the Israeli strikes. Residents of Lebanon described a climate of “absolute terror” due to the ongoing attacks.

Upcoming Peace Talks

CBC News’ Chris Reyes, reporting from New York, stated that the planned peace talks in Pakistan are tenuous. The U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance will lead the American delegation. President Trump has warned that the U.S. military presence will remain in the region until an agreement is reached, and threatened further action if the current situation deteriorates. Democrats in the U.S. Congress are calling for the reintroduction of the War Powers Resolution to limit the president’s authority regarding military action in Iran.