Uncertainty reigns over the outcome of discussions between Tehran and Washington, after the most serious clashes this week since the truce came into force on April 8. Sources in Washington had mentioned on Thursday a framework of agreement providing for a 60-day extension of the ceasefire, and a two-hour meeting on Friday at the White House, devoted to this subject, did not result in any immediate announcement.
Maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has accelerated in recent days, but “this does not mean a return to the pre-war situation”, according to Iranian state television, access remaining according to it prohibited to ships from “hostile” countries. The Israeli army further extended its “combat zone” in southern Lebanon on Friday, while continuing its strikes. The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported 11 deaths in the south of the country on Friday. The pro-Iranian movement, for its part, claimed responsibility for a new series of attacks against military targets in northern Israel, near the border with Lebanon.
Meanwhile, Lebanese and Israeli military officials held a meeting in Washington described as “constructive” by the US government. According to the Pentagon, these military discussions will serve as the basis for a new session of political negotiations between representatives of the two countries to reach a security agreement, on June 2 and 3 in Washington.
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