Israel continued military operations in Lebanon on Wednesday, April 8, despite a newly announced two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran that does not cover the Lebanese front.
According to The New York Times, missile and drone attacks were reported across the Persian Gulf on Wednesday, raising questions about whether the agreement had been fully implemented.
Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said it was “unacceptable” for Israel to continue its military operations in Lebanon despite the ceasefire, AFP reported.
“All fronts must cease,” Albares said, calling for an end to fighting across the region.
Uncertainty over ceasefire
It remained unclear whether Iranian local commanders had received or were adhering to the ceasefire order.
Israel said the agreement does not apply to Lebanon, where its military operations are ongoing.
Oil prices fell sharply following the announcement, dropping about 15% to $93 per barrel, though uncertainty remains over whether the Strait of Hormuz is safe for shipping.
Global impact, economic concerns
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global oil and gas shipments, and disruptions are expected to have longer-term effects.
Airline industry officials warned it could take months for jet fuel supplies to stabilize even after the waterway fully reopens.
US President Donald Trump said Washington would help manage traffic in the strait and ensure safe passage for shipping.
Diplomatic response
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is visiting Gulf states to discuss long-term security for the Strait of Hormuz, according to officials.
Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said it was “unacceptable” for Israel to continue its military operations in Lebanon despite the ceasefire.
“All fronts must cease,” Albares said, calling for an end to fighting across the region.
On Monday, Iran delivered a 10-point proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. Two senior Iranian officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the proposal included a guarantee that Iran would not be attacked again, a cessation of Israeli strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the lifting of all sanctions.
However, analysts say it is unlikely to resolve key issues before Trump’s Tuesday evening deadline for potential new attacks.
While the full text of the Iranian plan has not been released, it reportedly outlines safe passage through the Strait, demands the lifting of sanctions, calls for reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, and seeks an end to regional hostilities.