President Trump warned Iran Thursday that it “better not” charge fees to tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz, posting on Truth Social that any such tolls should stop immediately. The remark followed his earlier suggestion that the U.S. might consider charging tolls itself to ensure safe passage. MarineTraffic data shows reduced traffic since the truce: 11 ships passed through on the day the ceasefire was announced, then five on Wednesday and six on Thursday, including a handful of tankers. At least 22 ships have transited since the ceasefire began, far below pre-war averages.
The two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran announced Tuesday is fragile and disputed over its geographic scope. Iran and Pakistan, which helped broker the deal, say it applies regionally, including Lebanon. The U.S. and Israel say Lebanon was never included. That disagreement has become a flashpoint after a wave of Israeli strikes in Lebanon that killed hundreds and prompted condemnations worldwide.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement Friday saying it “absolutely not” carried out any launches toward other countries during ceasefire hours and that any attacks reported in the media would be the work of Israel or the U.S. The IRGC said it would only claim strikes in official statements and disavowed actions not announced by Iranian authorities. Iran’s deputy foreign minister accused the U.S. of needing to choose “between war and ceasefire” and said Iran would provide security for safe passage through the Hormuz after U.S. withdrawal of aggression, while noting Iran would establish protocols with Oman and the international community.
Despite Iranian denials, Kuwait accused Iran and its proxies of launching drone attacks against it on Thursday. Saudi state media reported damage to the kingdom’s East-West oil pipeline in recent attacks. Kuwait’s allegation put fresh pressure on the truce ahead of planned talks between the U.S. and Iran. Early Friday, Iran denied launching any strikes since the truce began.
Lebanon has been hit hard by Israeli strikes. Lebanon’s health ministry said more than 300 people were killed in Wednesday’s strikes; other tallies put the single-day toll above 200 with more than 1,000 wounded. Israel called the strikes a major blow to Hezbollah, saying 200 militants were killed. Hezbollah has continued to fire rockets into northern Israel. Lebanon’s prime minister said his government would file an urgent complaint to the U.N. Security Council, calling Israeli actions a violation of international law. The U.N. secretary-general warned that fighting in Lebanon poses a “grave risk” to the fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire.
The U.S. plans to lead diplomatic talks aimed at de-escalating cross-border violence between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanese and Israeli representatives are expected to meet at the State Department next week, with U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michael Issa leading talks. Vice President JD Vance and senior envoys are slated to attend peace talks in Islamabad with Iranian counterparts; Vance said there were “a lot of points of agreement” and described ceasefires as “always messy.” Iran has said it will participate but has not confirmed its lead delegation.
Israel continued strikes on Hezbollah sites, saying it attacked launch sites and “terror infrastructure” across southern Lebanon. Israeli leaders stressed they would continue strikes “wherever required” to protect civilians in northern Israel. The sustained Israeli campaign, including a massed wave of strikes described as the largest coordinated action since the war began, has prompted evacuations and widespread displacement in Lebanon. World Central Kitchen and other aid groups have ramped up relief amid food scarcity and damaged infrastructure.
International reactions have been mixed. More than 80 countries issued a joint statement condemning “persistent attacks” in Lebanon and urging protection for U.N. peacekeepers, who have suffered fatalities. Germany called the conflict a “stress test” for NATO and warned Israeli actions could undermine the peace process. Spain accused Israel of flouting the ceasefire and said it would reopen its embassy in Tehran. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said a coalition led by the U.K. is exploring “practical support” to keep the Strait of Hormuz open; he and other leaders reported President Trump pressing allies for concrete commitments to secure the waterway.
Domestically in the U.S., House Democrats criticized the administration’s handling of the ceasefire and vowed to pursue measures to limit the president’s war powers. A planned unanimous consent effort to advance a war powers resolution was blocked when Republicans adjourned a pro forma session. Democrats say they will continue to force votes on the issue. Lawmakers also criticized Trump’s tolls idea as outrageous.
Military developments include U.S. losses of remotely piloted MQ-9 Reaper drones in the theater: officials say eight Reapers were lost in the Middle East since April 1, bringing total Reaper losses in the conflict to 24 — a cost of roughly $720 million. CBS News compiled data showing more than 13,000 targets struck by U.S. and Israeli forces since the war began, alongside Iranian strikes in a dozen countries.
Other notable items: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged Ukrainian units helped shoot down Iranian-designed Shahed drones in multiple Middle Eastern countries and deployed experts to help partners strengthen air defenses in exchange for equipment and fuel. Australia ruled out sending strike fighters to take an offensive role in the Iran war, though Canberra provided a surveillance jet to the UAE. Spain and other European nations have voiced concern about Israel’s expanded operations in Lebanon. Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, issued written messages saying Iran did not seek war and called on Gulf neighbors to stand with Iran; he said the nation would protect its rights and referenced upcoming talks.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a central security and economic concern. Iran announced alternative routes to avoid suspected sea mines and has at times suggested it would control or oversee transit. Market responses reflected renewed uncertainty: oil prices rose and Asian and U.S. markets cooled amid fears the ceasefire could unravel.
As diplomatic efforts continue, key questions remain over the scope of the ceasefire, whether Lebanon is included, and whether international guarantees and practical measures will restore reliable, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and de-escalate fighting across multiple fronts.