Israel said that the military action against Hezbollah will continue, particularly in southern Lebanon and other strongholds, to prevent attacks on northern Israel
Israel has said that the ceasefire does not apply to its operations in Lebanon. File Pic
Israel has supported US President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend military strikes against Iran for two weeks, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, reported the PTI.
The pause is conditional on Iran opening the Strait of Hormuz and stopping attacks on the United States, Israel and other countries in the region.
The statement said Israel supports US efforts to ensure that Iran no longer poses a nuclear, missile or terror threat to the region and beyond.
It added that the United States has reaffirmed its commitment to these goals during upcoming negotiations.
Lebanon not included in ceasefire
However, Israel made it clear that the ceasefire does not apply to its operations in Lebanon, according to the PTI.
The government said military action against Hezbollah will continue, particularly in southern Lebanon and other strongholds, to prevent attacks on northern Israel.
The two-week ceasefire was proposed by Pakistan and accepted by both sides.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed it would enter negotiations with the US in Islamabad to resolve ongoing tensions.
Trump announces pause
Trump announced the suspension of strikes, stating that it would depend on Iran ensuring the safe and immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz.
He described the move as a temporary and conditional ceasefire.
Iran’s response
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran would halt defensive operations if attacks stopped, as per the PTI.
He also confirmed that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be allowed during the ceasefire period, in coordination with Iran’s military.
The conflict between the US and Iran escalated earlier this year over Tehran’s nuclear programme, leading to heightened tensions across the West Asian region.
The ceasefire
Trump pulled back on his threats to launch devastating strikes on Iran late Tuesday, as the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire that includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump swerved to de-escalate the war less than two hours before the deadline he set for Tehran to capitulate to a deal or face attacks on its bridges and power plants meant to destroy the Iranian civilisation.
Trump made the dramatic announcement on Truth Social on Tuesday evening (US time) even as Democrats called for his removal over unhinged threats to wipe out the Iranian civilisation.
(with PTI inputs)
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