Fighting Persists in Lebanon, Threatening U.S.-Iran Deal, as Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz

Despite a recently announced ceasefire and an interim agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the broader Middle East conflict, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon and Hezbollah attacks continue, resulting in casualties. In response to the ongoing hostilities and alleged U.S. breaches of commitments, Iran has reportedly closed the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels, a critical waterway with significant implications for global energy markets and trade. U.S. officials, however, dispute Iran's control over the strait and report continued traffic. Talks between the U.S. and Iran, originally planned for Friday in Switzerland, were postponed but are now expected to begin Sunday.