Middle East crisis live: US and Iran in blockade stalemate as Washington’s navy secretary leaves office ‘immediately’
Summary
Iran's Revolutionary Guards seized two international ships in the Strait of Hormuz for alleged maritime violations, the first seizure since the war began in February. President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire with Iran indefinitely while maintaining a naval blockade, but Iran has not confirmed the truce extension and demands the blockade be lifted for a full ceasefire.Key Facts
- Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seized two ships, MSC Francesca (Panama-flagged) and Epaminondas (Liberia-flagged), for "attempting to exit the Strait of Hormuz covertly."
- This is the first time Iran has captured vessels since the conflict started in late February.
- The US and Iran agreed to an indefinite ceasefire extension announced by President Trump, but Iran has not officially agreed to the extension.
- Iran insists that a full ceasefire should only happen if the US naval blockade of its trade by sea is lifted.
- White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the seizure of the ships was not a violation of the ceasefire because the ships were not American or Israeli.
- John Phelan, the US secretary of the navy, left his position immediately without public explanation amid the ongoing conflict.
- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan warned that the US-Israeli conflict with Iran is harming Europe and urged a peace-focused approach.
- Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed a Lebanese journalist and wounded others, marking the deadliest day since a recent truce between Israel and Hezbollah.
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