US Israel-Iran War Day 49: Trump says Iran deal 'near complete' as Strait of Hormuz reopens; oil sinks, Lebanon ceasefire holds

The Iran-Israel war entered Day 49 on a precarious note, with a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon coming into effect even as violence flared in the final hours before the truce.

The pause in hostilities, tied to broader diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran, signals a possible de-escalation—but ground realities remain volatile.

You may follow our live coverage of the West Asia war here


U.S. President Donald Trump struck a cautiously optimistic tone, urging Hezbollah to respect the ceasefire while simultaneously claiming progress in parallel negotiations with Tehran.

However, conflicting signals—from last-minute strikes to unresolved conditions—underscore the fragility of the moment.

Strait of Hormuz declared open; commercial shipping resumes

• US President Donald Trump and Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi say the Strait of Hormuz is fully open to commercial vessels
• Araghchi said the waterway is “declared completely open” in line with the ceasefire in Lebanon
• Trump said the strait is “ready for full passage”
• US, however, says restrictions on Iranian ships remain until a deal is finalised

US blockade on Iran to continue despite easing maritime access

• Trump said the US naval blockade on Iranian ships and ports will remain “in full force”
• Blockade to stay until a final agreement with Iran is reached
• Trump said most terms of a potential deal are already negotiated

Oil crashes, Wall Street surges on Strait reopening

• Oil prices fall about 10% after announcement that the Strait is open
• Dow jumps over 1,000 points; S&P 500 and Nasdaq also rally
• Markets react to easing fears of global energy disruption
• Stocks up nearly 12% since late March, heading for a third straight weekly gain

Ceasefire takes hold in Israel–Lebanon conflict

• A 10-day US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon begins overnight
• Thousands of displaced Lebanese start returning home
• Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is “not yet finished” with Hezbollah
• Hezbollah says its response will depend on developments

First violations reported despite truce

• Israeli drone strike in Kounine kills 1 and wounds 3, Lebanon’s health ministry says
• First fatality reported since ceasefire began
• Israel has not commented; previously said it retains right to strike perceived threats

Humanitarian return amid fragile calm

• Thousands of Lebanese families move south amid ceasefire
• Roads clogged with civilians returning with belongings
• Over 1 million people displaced during the war in Lebanon

Casualty toll from wider conflict rises

• Lebanon health ministry says 2,294 killed since March escalation, as per AP
• 7,185 wounded reported, AP reported.
• Casualties also reported in Iran, Israel, Gulf states, and among US service members

Dispute over Iran claims and nuclear material

• Trump says Iran agreed to reopen Strait and cooperate on sea mines
• Claims US will recover enriched uranium and bring it to the US
• Says no money will be exchanged in any deal
• Iran has not independently confirmed nuclear-related claims

Maritime security operations continue

• US and allies continue mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz
• Europe-led proposals for maritime security mission gaining momentum
• Germany and France seek broader international involvement, including US participation

Diplomatic activity continues alongside conflict

• Trump says Iran deal talks are “mostly complete”, as per a Bloomberg report.
• Signals possible travel to Islamabad after a deal, not confirmed
• Further talks expected over the weekend

Ceasefire takes effect amid last-minute violence

A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon formally began at midnight local time (2100 GMT Thursday), marking the first sustained pause after weeks of cross-border escalation involving Iran-backed Hezbollah.

• The truce follows intensified fighting after Hezbollah launched rocket attacks last month in support of Iran.
• Just hours before the ceasefire, Israel and Hezbollah exchanged fresh fire across the border.
• Israel’s emergency service reported that two people were wounded, one seriously, in Karmiel and Nahariya due to rocket fire.
• An Israeli strike on the southern Lebanese town of Ghazieh killed at least seven people and wounded 33, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.
• Lebanese state media described the incident as a “massacre against civilians,” adding that rescue and debris removal operations were ongoing.
• The health ministry said the toll was “preliminary and not final,” indicating potential for further casualties.

Despite the ceasefire taking hold, the violence preceding it highlighted the tenuous nature of the agreement and the deep mistrust between the parties involved.

Trump calls on Hezbollah to ‘act nicely’

As the ceasefire came into force, Trump directly addressed Hezbollah, framing the truce as a critical test of intent.

• “I hope Hezbollah acts nicely and well during this important period of time,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
• He added it would be a “GREAT moment for them if they do. No more killing. Must finally have PEACE!”
• Trump confirmed that the ceasefire “will include Hezbollah,” signalling expectations that the group would adhere to the terms.

His remarks reflect Washington’s attempt to publicly pressure Hezbollah while projecting optimism about a broader de-escalation.

Also read: Trump says Iran to drop nukes, hand over uranium, hints Pakistan visit

Regional and political responses to the truce

Leaders across the region cautiously welcomed the ceasefire, though conditions and reservations remain.

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the truce offered a chance for a “historic peace agreement” with Lebanon.
• However, Netanyahu insisted that Hezbollah’s disarmament remained a key precondition for any lasting settlement.
• Lebanese President Joseph Aoun was part of the agreement, with Trump saying both sides had accepted the ceasefire timeline.
• Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said he “welcomes” the truce.
• Lebanon’s army urged civilians not to return to southern areas before the ceasefire fully stabilises.
• A Hezbollah lawmaker indicated the group would respect the ceasefire if Israel halts its attacks.

These responses suggest cautious buy-in, but also underline the conditional nature of compliance, particularly from Hezbollah.

Iran backs ceasefire, links it to wider deal

Iran signalled support for the ceasefire while tying it to broader negotiations with the United States.

• Iran’s foreign ministry “welcomed the announcement of the ceasefire in Lebanon.”
• Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the truce was part of a ceasefire understanding between Iran and the United States.
• The agreement was mediated by Pakistan, according to Iranian state media.

This linkage reinforces the idea that the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire is not an isolated development, but part of a larger diplomatic framework aimed at pausing the wider regional conflict.

US pushes diplomacy, claims progress on Iran

Even as the ceasefire unfolded, Trump pointed to potential progress in US-Iran negotiations, though key details remain unclear.

• Trump said Washington and Tehran were “close” to a peace deal after nearly six weeks of conflict.
• He claimed Iran had agreed to hand over its enriched uranium stockpile.
• “They’ve agreed to give us back the nuclear dust,” he said, referring to enriched uranium.
• There has been no public confirmation from Iran on this claim.

The assertion, if accurate, would mark a significant breakthrough—but in the absence of verification, it adds another layer of uncertainty to an already complex situation.

Diplomatic push continues beyond ceasefire

The ceasefire appears to be part of a broader diplomatic push involving multiple actors and future engagements.

• Trump said he would invite Netanyahu and Aoun to the White House following the ceasefire.
• “I will be inviting the Prime Minister of Israel, Bibi Netanyahu, and the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, to the White House,” he said.
• The move is aimed at building on the ceasefire and exploring a longer-term political settlement.