HEADLINES IN BRIEF

• Trump extends ceasefire but vows to continue blocking Iranian ports READ MORE BELOW 

• Iran's revolutionary guard attacks three cargo ships in Strait of Hormuz READ MORE BELOW 

• China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges avoiding resumption of hostilities

• Israel calls on Lebanon to assist in disarming Hezbollah READ MORE BELOW 

• UN General Secretary António Guterres welcomes ceasefire extension and encourages all parties to build on momentum

• European Union says the conflict may affect energy prices for years to come

IN DETAIL

Trump extends ceasefire but vows to continue blocking Iranian ports

US President Donald Trump has announced an indefinite pause on planned American attacks against Iran, following mediation efforts led by Pakistan. In a statement shared on Truth Social, Trump said the United States had agreed to Pakistan's request to delay military action until Iranian leaders could present a unified proposal for negotiations. 

He framed the pause as conditional, noting it would last until discussions are "concluded, one way or the other." However, he also made clear that US naval forces would continue enforcing a maritime blockade on Iranian trade.

"I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able", Trump said. 

While Iran has acknowledged the ceasefire extension, Tehran has strongly condemned the blockade - labeling it an act of war. Iranian officials have insisted they will maintain their closure of the Strait of Hormuz as long as US restrictions remain in place. 

In comments reported by Iranian state television Foreign Ministry remarked that "diplomacy is a tool for securing national interests and security, and whenever we reach the conclusion that the necessary and reasonable conditions exist to use this tool to achieve national interests and to consolidate the achievements of the Iranian nation in thwarting the enemies' malicious objectives, we will take action."

Iran's revolutionary guard attacks three cargo ships in Strait of Hormuz

Iranian media says the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has carried out coordinated attacks on three cargo vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the first incident involved a container ship, the Epaminondas, owned by a Greek company. The vessel was reportedly fired upon by the IRGC approximately 15 nautical miles northeast of Oman. The attack caused significant damage to the ship's bridge. 

A second vessel, the Panama-flagged Euphoria, owned by a UAE-based company, was also targeted about eight nautical miles west of Iran, according to maritime intelligence firm Vanguard and UKMTO. While the crew were reported safe, no damage to the ship has been confirmed. 

The third incident involved the Panama-flagged MSC Francesca, which was attacked roughly six nautical miles off the Iranian coast while exiting the Strait into the Gulf of Oman. The vessel sustained damage to both its hull and crew accommodation areas, according to Vanguard. 

In a statement, the IRGC Navy claimed that both the MSC Francesca and the Epaminondas had been seized and redirected toward Iranian waters. Iranian authorities allege the ships were operating without proper authorization and had interfered with navigation systems.

Israel calls on Lebanon to assist in disarming Hezbollah

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has urged Lebanon to cooperate with Israel in disarming Hezbollah ahead of upcoming negotiations in Washington, D.C.

The talks, scheduled for Thursday, follow a similar round of discussions held the previous week and mark a rare moment of direct engagement between the two countries after decades of hostility. 

Saar suggested that relations between Israel and Lebanon could improve significantly if the issue of Hezbollah were addressed.

"We don't have any serious disagreements with Lebanon. There are a few minor border disputes that can be solved," Saar said. "The obstacle to peace and normalization between the countries is one: Hezbollah."

He added that Lebanon has the potential for "a future of sovereignty, independence and freedom from the Iranian occupation," framing Hezbollah's influence as the primary barrier to stability and improved relations.

Meanwhile, Israel has maintained a military buffer zone extending approximately 10 kilometers into southern Lebanon. Israeli officials say the zone is intended to reduce the threat posed by short-range rockets and anti-tank weapons targeting communities in northern Israel.