Trump Says Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Extended as Iran Tensions Rise

US President Donald Trump has announced that the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire has been extended by three weeks following talks at the White House, even as tensions continue to escalate across the Middle East.

The extension comes amid ongoing accusations of violations between Israel’s military and Hezbollah, with both sides claiming fresh attacks despite the ceasefire agreement. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) say they carried out strikes overnight, while Hezbollah claims it fired rockets into northern Israel.

Trump told reporters that progress on regional stability is ongoing, saying that “whatever I’m doing, it seems to be working very well,” while addressing concerns over Iran’s role in the broader conflict.

However, he also stated that he would not “rush” any potential diplomatic agreement with Iran, signalling that negotiations remain uncertain and ongoing.

At the same time, US military forces reportedly intercepted a vessel carrying Iranian oil in the Indian Ocean, further increasing tensions between Washington and Tehran. Trump claimed the US now has “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route.

Inside Iran, senior officials have responded to growing external pressure by emphasising “iron unity” within the country’s leadership, rejecting claims of internal divisions.

The situation continues to evolve rapidly, with analysts warning that overlapping conflicts involving Israel, Lebanon, and Iran could further destabilise the region if diplomatic efforts stall.