Hormuz shut, Lebanon burns, Islamabad talks on: Iran-US ceasefire walks a tightrope

A fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran came under fresh pressure after Tehran said it had shut the Strait of Hormuz again, accusing Israel of violating the agreement with strikes on Lebanon. The development has raised fresh uncertainty over a deal that hinged on keeping the crucial oil route open.

The Strait’s reopening was a central condition of the two-week ceasefire announced earlier, with Washington pushing for safe passage of global trade before formal negotiations begin. The latest move now threatens to derail that understanding even before talks get underway.

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Iran, US trade accusations as Lebanon becomes flashpoint

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the terms of the ceasefire were “clear”, warning that the United States must choose between peace or continued conflict through Israel. He pointed to ongoing violence in Lebanon, saying the world was watching how Washington responds.

The Iran–U.S. Ceasefire terms are clear and explicit: the U.S. must choose—ceasefire or continued war via Israel. It cannot have both.

The world sees the massacres in Lebanon. The ball is in the U.S. court, and the world is watching whether it will act on its commitments. pic.twitter.com/2bzVlHFKgi

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) April 8, 2026

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard also warned of retaliation if attacks on Lebanon continue.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has played a role in mediating the ceasefire, acknowledged that violations had been reported in parts of the conflict zone. He urged all sides to show restraint and stick to the agreed two-week pause to allow diplomacy a chance.

Violations of ceasefire have been reported at few places across the conflict zone which undermine the spirit of peace process. I earnestly and sincerely urge all parties to exercise restraint and respect the ceasefire for two weeks, as agreed upon, so that diplomacy can take a…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 8, 2026

However, the US has maintained that Lebanon was never part of the ceasefire framework. President Donald Trump said Hezbollah’s actions from Lebanese territory complicate the situation, while White House officials reiterated that the agreement does not cover Lebanon.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused Washington of breaching commitments, citing airspace violations and continued military actions.

Confusion over Hormuz status adds to uncertainty

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Strait was open and that global commerce would continue, while General Dan Caine indicated that the assessment was based on diplomatic inputs.

But on the ground, the situation appeared less clear. Iran briefly allowed a few vessels to pass before announcing a renewed closure, blaming Israeli strikes.

Shipping companies have remained cautious. Industry voices said initial optimism around the ceasefire had triggered preparations to resume cargo movement, but that confidence quickly faded after the latest escalation.

US pushes ahead with Islamabad talks despite fragile truce

Even as tensions persist, the US is moving forward with planned talks. Vice President JD Vance is set to lead a delegation to Islamabad for negotiations with Iran, alongside envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

The White House said the talks aim to build on what it described as a decisive military phase following “Operation Epic Fury”. Officials argued that pressure from the operation pushed Iran to accept the ceasefire and consider reopening the Strait.

Vance, speaking before the visit, said the ceasefire is only a starting point. He stressed that the agreement links US restraint to Iran keeping the Strait open, warning that failure to comply would have consequences.

He also made clear that Iran’s nuclear programme will be central to discussions, reiterating Washington’s position that Tehran must not develop nuclear weapons.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the situation as a “fragile truce”, cautioning that such agreements are inherently unstable.

Despite the uncertainty, US officials said early signs suggested movement towards reopening the Strait, though developments on the ground continue to shift rapidly.