The fragile two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran is seriously threatened by the intensive Israeli bombardment of Lebanon, which claimed at least 254 lives according to Lebanese civil defense. Iran threatened to close the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz again if Israeli attacks on Lebanon continue.

Tehran sent a clear message to Washington: "You can't have your cake and eat it too." Iranian authorities also issued alternative shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz due to the risk of mines, while Hezbollah announced it had launched rockets toward northern Israel in response to what it characterized as a violation of the ceasefire.

The American position is that Lebanon is not covered by the ceasefire agreement - a stance Tehran sharply disputes. The White House rejected the original Iranian 10-point proposal for a ceasefire.

French President Macron spoke by phone with both Trump and the Iranian leadership, demanding that Lebanon be included in the ceasefire terms. On global markets, oil prices are rising while stock exchanges are falling amid heightened uncertainty.