Iran-US Ceasefire Fails: Iran Walks Away, Trump Keeps Military on Standby

Iran has accused the United States of violating three key conditions of the ceasefire agreement. Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, stated that the U.S. has breached the fundamental terms of the 10-point proposal.

Iran has categorically stated that the very foundation upon which negotiations were to be held has already crumbled. Consequently, further negotiations or a ceasefire are no longer considered rational.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that American forces will remain deployed in the vicinity of Iran until the agreement reached with the country is fully implemented.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump issued a warning that if the terms of the agreement are not adhered to, hostilities will resume—and they will be larger, more powerful, and more destructive than before. However, he noted that while the likelihood of such an event is extremely low, the United States remains fully prepared.

**254 Deaths in a Single Day Due to Israeli Attacks in Lebanon**

On Wednesday, the Israeli military launched an assault on Lebanon using hundreds of missiles, resulting in the deaths of 254 people. According to Lebanon's Civil Defense Agency, at least 1,165 people were injured in these airstrikes. Following the incident, a period of national mourning has been declared across the country.

The attacks targeted Beirut, the Beqaa Valley, Mount Lebanon, Sidon, and several villages in southern Lebanon. This offensive occurred on the very same day that a two-week ceasefire between the U.S., Israel, and Iran was announced.

The Israeli military stated that this was the largest attack launched against Lebanon to date, following the commencement of their new military operation on March 2. According to the military, the operation targeted more than 100 Hezbollah command centers and military installations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that Lebanon is not a party to the U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement. Conversely, Pakistan—which served as a mediator—maintains that Lebanon is indeed included in the ceasefire. On the other hand, US President Trump stated that Lebanon is distinct from this agreement and is not a party to it.

Report: Iran Imposes $1-per-Barrel Toll on Tankers Passing Through Hormuz

Iran is planning to levy a tax of $1 per barrel on oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran seeks to receive this payment in cryptocurrency. This news was reported by the *Financial Times*, citing sources.

Iran intends to monitor and control every vessel traversing this route. Ships will be required to disclose details regarding their cargo before being granted permission to proceed.

Iranian official Hamid Hosseini stated that this measure is being implemented to prevent the movement of weapons to US military bases within a two-week timeframe. He added that while ships would be allowed to pass, the process might be time-consuming, as Iran is in no hurry.

China: We Will Continue Efforts to End the War

China has emphasized the necessity of restoring stability in the Middle East. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that all parties should seize this opportunity to usher in peace. China further affirmed that it would continue its efforts to de-escalate tensions and bring about a complete end to the conflict.

Italy Condemns Ceasefire Violations

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has strongly condemned any violation of the ceasefire agreement. She remarked that the world had teetered on the brink of a dangerous precipice, but now a fragile opportunity for peace has emerged—one that must be consolidated.

She also underscored the critical importance for Europe of restoring the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

Foreign Ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia Hold Phone Conversation

For the first time since the outbreak of hostilities, the Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia and Iran held a telephone conversation. Both sides assessed the prevailing situation and discussed measures to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the region. Israeli Minister Says: Ceasefire with Iran is a Mistake
Israeli Minister Amichai Chikli stated that entering into a ceasefire with Iran is a mistake. He argued that a firm approach is necessary against such nations. He also noted that there is only a 50% probability that this ceasefire will last for any significant duration.

Drawing a comparison between Iran and the Japanese Empire—as well as Nazi Germany—he asserted that it is imperative to completely defeat such nations.

Experts Say: Situation in Hormuz Remains Tense
Even following the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, the situation in the Middle East has not fully stabilized. Tension persists within the region.

C. Uday Bhaskar, an expert on maritime affairs, told Al Jazeera that conditions in the Strait of Hormuz remain volatile. It remains unclear what new regulations Iran might implement, creating an atmosphere of apprehension within the market.

Previously, approximately 135 vessels traversed this route daily; however, the volume of ship traffic has now dropped significantly. Iran has also announced that it has laid naval mines in the waters, compelling ships to navigate with extreme caution.

European Nations, Including France, Criticize Israeli Strikes in Lebanon
Israel's attacks in Lebanon have elicited sharp reactions across Europe. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot declared that attacks on Lebanon are unacceptable. He further stated that these actions are undermining the temporary ceasefire established between the United States and Iran.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has already condemned Israel's attacks as entirely unjustifiable and has called for Lebanon to be included in the ceasefire agreement.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni remarked that the situation has neared a "point of no return," yet emphasized that it is now crucial to resolutely pursue the prospects for peace that currently exist.