Iran plans to charge a $1-per-barrel toll on oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz, reportedly payable in cryptocurrency, as it tightens control despite a two-week ceasefire with the United States. Spokesperson Hamid Hosseini said vessels must declare cargo and undergo assessment before clearance. The move follows Iran’s renewed closure of the strait after Israeli strikes in Lebanon. Around 300–400 ships remain stranded, with only 10–15 daily transits possible versus 135 pre-conflict. Empty vessels may pass free. Shipping firms, including Maersk, are awaiting clarity, warning that limited access and procedural delays mean the backlog cannot be cleared within the ceasefire window. (PC: Reuters)

Pakistan’s mediation in the US-Iran conflict has drawn attention after a two-week ceasefire averted potential escalation. Sections of Pakistani media argue the effort by Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir merits a Nobel Peace Prize, citing their role as key intermediaries between Washington and Tehran. Islamabad is set to host negotiations aimed at a long-term agreement following the truce announced just before a US deadline for military action. The conflict, triggered by strikes beginning February 28, expanded across the region, impacting energy routes and markets. Multiple countries, including China, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, also contributed to diplomatic efforts. (PC: PTI)

Donald Trump said US forces will remain in and around Iran until a final deal is fully followed. He wrote on Truth Social that ships, aircraft, and troops will stay ready. He warned that if the agreement fails, the US may launch a bigger attack. Trump also said Iran had promised to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and avoid nuclear weapons.   Tensions remain high despite the ceasefire. Benjamin Netanyahu said Hezbollah was not part of the deal. Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed over 250 people since Wednesday. (PC: India Today)

Israel has rejected Pakistan’s role as a credible mediator in the US-Iran ceasefire, with Reuven Azar stating that Tel Aviv does not view Islamabad as a reliable player. The two-week truce between the United States and Iran, supported by Washington, Tel Aviv and Tehran, remains fragile as tensions persist. Iran briefly closed the Strait of Hormuz again following Israeli strikes in Lebanon, raising concerns about the deal’s stability. While the US continues to engage Pakistan as a facilitator, Israel emphasised alignment with Washington on outcomes rather than intermediaries. Talks between US and Iranian officials are expected to begin soon to pursue a longer-term agreement. (PC: AP)

Amid a fragile ceasefire, Donald Trump said US military assets will remain deployed in and around Iran until a “real agreement” is finalised and fully implemented. In a Truth Social post, he warned that any violation especially regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz or nuclear commitments could trigger a larger, unprecedented attack. Tensions persist as Israel continues strikes in Lebanon, which is not covered under the ceasefire, complicating regional stability. Iran has raised concerns over these developments, fuelling uncertainty about the truce. Questions also remain over whether the Strait of Hormuz is fully operational, keeping global energy markets and shipping routes on edge.

JD Vance said the US-Iran ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon, calling Tehran’s assumption a “legitimate misunderstanding” during negotiations. Speaking in Budapest, he clarified the truce applies only to Iran, the United States and allies including Israel and Gulf states. Vance warned Iran against risking the deal over Lebanon, stressing no formal commitment covered Israeli operations there. He noted Israel had shown some restraint but made no binding pledge. The disagreement has emerged as an early challenge to a longer-term agreement, putting Washington at odds with Iranian officials and Pakistani mediators. Despite tensions, Vance confirmed US officials will travel to Pakistan for continued negotiations.

A fragile two-week ceasefire between Donald Trump and Iran has failed to stabilise the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran continues to tightly control maritime movement despite initial assurances of reopening. Reports indicate vessels must seek prior approval from Iranian forces or risk being targeted, leaving global shipping in limbo. The restrictions follow Israeli strikes on Lebanon, which Iran says fall outside the ceasefire terms. Around 2,000 ships and 20,000 seafarers remain stranded since the conflict began on February 28. While diplomacy backed by Pakistan and China halted escalation, uncertainty persists, with shipping firms awaiting clarity. The situation underscores how geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. (PC: Energy Economics)

Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz again after Israel carried out strikes in Lebanon that killed over 100 people. Iranian officials said the attacks broke the ceasefire with the United States. Iran said Lebanon was part of the deal. Donald Trump said Lebanon was not included due to Hezbollah. Israel also said the ceasefire does not cover Hezbollah. Iran warned the US must choose between “ceasefire or continued war via Israel”. The death toll in Lebanon rose to over 250, officials said. (PC: X)

An oil refinery in Iran was hit hours after a ceasefire with the United States took effect. The strike took place on Lavan Island, with no casualties reported. Officials called it an “enemy attack”. Fire crews were sent to control the blaze. The truce aimed to pause fighting for two weeks. Donald Trump called it a “total and complete victory”. However, tensions rose again as Iran launched strikes on Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. The ceasefire included reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides have accused each other of breaking the agreement. (PC: NDTV)

Israel has continued its heaviest attacks on Lebanon despite a ceasefire between the United States and Iran. Israeli forces struck more than 100 Hezbollah sites in Beirut and nearby areas. Officials said the truce does not include Lebanon. A military spokesperson said, “The battle in Lebanon continues.” The latest strikes killed dozens and injured hundreds. Since early March, over 1,500 people have died and many have been displaced. Witnesses described strong blasts in the city. Iran warned it may leave the ceasefire if attacks continue. (PC: HT)