President Trump on Thursday publicly warned Iran not to impose fees on tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz, posting on Truth Social that any such tolls “better not” be levied and that they “should stop immediately.” The comment followed his earlier suggestion that the United States might itself consider charging tolls to ensure safe passage through the strategically vital waterway.
Shipping data from MarineTraffic shows markedly reduced traffic since the ceasefire was announced: 11 vessels passed the strait on the day the truce began, then five the next day and six the following day, including several tankers. At least 22 ships have transited since the ceasefire went into effect, well below pre-war averages.
The fragile, two-week ceasefire announced Tuesday is already strained by disagreement over its geographic scope. Iran and Pakistan, which helped broker the arrangement, say it applies regionally, including Lebanon. The United States and Israel say Lebanon was never part of the deal. That dispute has become a flashpoint after a recent wave of Israeli strikes in Lebanon that killed hundreds and drew widespread condemnation.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement Friday denying it carried out any launches toward other countries during ceasefire hours, saying it would “absolutely not” have conducted such strikes and that any attacks reported in the media would be the work of Israel or the U.S. The IRGC added it would claim responsibility only in official statements and disavowed actions not announced by Iranian authorities. Iran’s deputy foreign minister framed the situation as a choice the U.S. must make “between war and ceasefire,” saying Iran would provide security for safe passage through the Hormuz after what it called a U.S. withdrawal of aggression and that Tehran would establish protocols with Oman and the international community.
Despite Iran’s denials, Kuwait accused Iran and allied proxies of launching drone attacks against it on Thursday, and Saudi state media reported damage to the kingdom’s East-West oil pipeline in recent attacks. Kuwait’s allegation added pressure to the truce as U.S.-Iran talks were being planned. Iran also denied early Friday that it had launched any strikes since the ceasefire took effect.
Lebanon bore the brunt of recent Israeli strikes. Lebanon’s health ministry said more than 300 people were killed in Wednesday’s attacks; other tallies placed the single-day death toll above 200 with more than 1,000 wounded. Israel described the strikes as a major blow to Hezbollah, saying about 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 with the U.N. Security Council, calling Israeli actions a violation of international law, and U.N. Secretary-General warned that fighting in Lebanon poses a “grave risk” to the fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire.
The United States is preparing to lead diplomatic talks to de-escalate 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 the discussions. Vice President JD Vance and senior envoys are set to attend talks in Islamabad with Iranian counterparts; Vance said there were “a lot of points of agreement” and described ceasefires as “always messy.” Iran said it would participate in the talks but has not confirmed who will head its delegation.
Meanwhile, Israel continued strikes on Hezbollah targets, saying it hit launch sites and “terror infrastructure” across southern Lebanon and stressing it will act “wherever required” to protect civilians in northern Israel. The sustained campaign, including a massed wave of strikes described by officials as the largest coordinated action since the war began, has prompted evacuations and large-scale displacement inside Lebanon. Humanitarian groups such as World Central Kitchen have ramped up relief efforts amid food shortages and widespread damage to infrastructure.
International reaction has been mixed. More than 80 countries issued a joint statement condemning what they called “persistent attacks” in Lebanon and urging protection for U.N. peacekeepers, who have suffered fatalities. Germany described the crisis as a “stress test” for NATO and warned Israeli operations could undermine the peace process. Spain accused Israel of flouting the ceasefire and said it would reopen its embassy in Tehran. NATO officials, including Secretary General Mark Rutte, said a U.K.-led coalition is exploring “practical support” to keep the Strait of Hormuz open; they reported President Trump pressing allies for concrete commitments to secure the waterway.
At home, House Democrats criticized the administration’s handling of the ceasefire and pledged measures to curtail 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. Lawmakers across the aisle also criticized Trump’s tolls proposal as outrageous.
Military developments in the theater include the loss of remotely piloted MQ-9 Reaper drones: officials reported eight Reapers lost since April 1, bringing total Reaper losses in the conflict to 24, at an estimated 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 developments: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged that Ukrainian units aided in shooting down Iranian-designed Shahed drones in several Middle Eastern countries and said Kyiv has 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-related fighting but provided a surveillance jet to the UAE. Several European countries voiced concern over Israel’s expanded operations in Lebanon. Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, issued written messages saying Iran does not seek war, urged Gulf neighbors to stand with Iran, and said the country will protect its rights while preparing for upcoming talks.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a central security and economic concern. Iran announced alternative routes to avoid suspected sea mines and has previously suggested it could control or oversee transit. Markets reacted to the instability: oil prices rose and Asian and U.S. markets cooled on fears the ceasefire could unravel.
As diplomacy continues, key uncertainties endure: who is covered by the ceasefire, whether Lebanon is included, how violations will be verified, and whether international guarantees and practical measures can restore reliable, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and de-escalate fighting across multiple fronts.