War in the Middle East: the latest developments

Here are the latest developments related to the war in the Middle East, following a ceasefire in Lebanon and Iran’s decision to once again block the Strait of Hormuz in response to American sanctions.

– Shots and threats against ships, India summons Iranian ambassador

The Revolutionary Guards warned on Saturday that any ship approaching the Strait of Hormuz would be “targeted” by Tehran.

Several ships had recently faced shots and threats from Iranian forces while trying to cross. Among them were two Indian-flagged vessels, according to New Delhi, which summoned the Iranian ambassador in response.

– Lebanon: Hezbollah promises to retaliate against Israeli attacks

The leader of the pro-Iranian Lebanese movement Hezbollah promised to retaliate against Israeli attacks in Lebanon, where a ceasefire is officially in place.

“A ceasefire means a complete cessation of all hostilities. Since we do not trust this enemy, the resistance fighters will remain on the ground, ready to respond to any violations,” he said in a televised statement.

– Israel announces the death of a soldier

Israel announced on Saturday that one of its soldiers had been killed in an incident in southern Lebanon, where a ceasefire with pro-Iranian Hezbollah is in place. The incident occurred during a demining operation, as reported by the Israeli news site Ynet.

– Hezbollah denies attacking French peacekeepers

Hezbollah denied any involvement in the deadly attack on French peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, following France’s accusation.

“Hezbollah denies any connection to the incident involving the UNIFIL,” the pro-Iranian group stated, urging caution before assigning blame.

– Iran says it has received new proposals from Washington and is examining them

Iran has received “new proposals” from the United States for discussions to end the war in the Middle East, the Supreme National Security Council stated, emphasizing that Iranian negotiators will not compromise.

“These past days, during the presence of the Pakistani army commander in Tehran as a mediator, the Americans presented new proposals. Iran is currently examining them and has not yet responded,” the statement read.

– Trump condemns Iran’s “blackmail” over Hormuz

Donald Trump denounced what he called “blackmail” after Tehran announced the resumption of blocking the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

“They cannot blackmail us,” he stated. Earlier, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister mentioned that the U.S. cannot impose a siege on the Strait of Hormuz.

– Lebanon: Macron calls for “ensuring the security of FINUL soldiers”

Emmanuel Macron spoke with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, urging them to “ensure the security of FINUL soldiers” after a French soldier was killed and three others were injured in an ambush against peacekeepers.

This marks the second French soldier killed since the start of the Iran war in late February. Two of the three injured French soldiers are in serious condition, according to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.