Tension returns to the Middle East: Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz and Trump threatens new attacks
The Middle East experienced a new day of tension this Saturday, which distances the possibilities of an immediate agreement. Iran resumed the closure of the Strait of Hormuz while Donald Trump warned that he would not be "blackmailed" and opened the door to resuming attacks if there are no advances before next Wednesday, when the ceasefire expires. [...]
TL;DR
- Iran has resumed strict control over the Strait of Hormuz, blocking commercial vessels as long as US "blockade" continues.
- Tehran is evaluating new proposals from the US via Pakistan but insists on no concessions.
- Donald Trump stated that Iran cannot blackmail the US and threatened to resume bombing Iranian targets if a peace agreement isn't reached before the ceasefire ends next Wednesday.
- A French UN peacekeeper was killed and three others injured in an attack on a UN demining patrol in southern Lebanon, with France pointing to Hezbollah.
- The Israeli Army admitted to bombing southern Lebanon in "self-defense" against Hezbollah, contradicting White House claims of prohibiting such an offensive.