This morning at the Pentagon, Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, briefed the media on the blockade of ships entering or exiting Iranian ports, following a visit to the Middle East where he met with U.S. service members and regional allies.
Israel opposition leader Yair Lapid stated that the confrontation in Lebanon can only end with the permanent removal of the threat to Israel's northern settlements. He asserts that his viewpoint is correct.
Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah stated on Al Mayadeen that the Iranian ambassador in Beirut announced a comprehensive ceasefire in Lebanon, brokered by Iran, with the U.S. agreeing to inform the Prime Minister of Israel about this decision. Iran has conditioned the resumption of negotiations with the U.S. on the implementation of this commitment.
U.S. President Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon starting at midnight, and invited Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Lebanese president for peace talks at the White House.
Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Secretary of War, stated at a press conference that the Islamic Republic is removing debris from missile sites that were bombed by U.S. forces. He warned that American forces will resume combat if an agreement is not accepted.
Israeli media reports that top officials are growing frustrated with former U.S. President Trump's ceasefire approach in Lebanon, which was announced before obtaining Security Council approval.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has welcomed U.S. President Trump's ceasefire announcement, stating it was a primary goal of his meeting in Washington on Tuesday. Salam expressed gratitude to the U.S., France, EU states, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan for their efforts.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu told ministers that Israel will remain in the security zone during the ceasefire, stating, "Where we are, there we stay." - N12
U.S. President Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon on December 14, 2025.
President Donald J. Trump announced that he had coordinated a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon following meetings in Washington, D.C., involving Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vice President JD Vance, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Razin' Caine.
Canada's Foreign Ministry announced cooperation with international partners to ensure the safety of seafarers and maintain open maritime routes, emphasizing the importance of respecting international maritime navigation rights in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz Transit Permit Issuance Committee, managed by Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, has faced serious criticism for failing to meet its objectives, according to exclusive information received by Iran International.
The European Union representative at the United Nations General Assembly stated that freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz are essential for global stability and security, and that any threats to these principles are unacceptable. He emphasized the EU's commitment to upholding international law and cooperating with regional partners to reduce tensions and address issues such as Iran's nuclear and missile programs.
At the United Nations General Assembly, the Russian representative stated that preventing hasty Security Council actions has preserved conditions for diplomatic progress, emphasizing the need to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and addressing the roots of the crisis involving Iran, including Tehran's perspective.
Senator James Patterson, the Shadow Minister for Defence of the Australian government, stated in an interview with Iran International reporter Alireza Mohammadi that the Islamic Republic's closure of the Strait of Hormuz and imposition of tolls on oil tankers is "completely inappropriate" and aimed at financing terrorist activities.
Iran's plan to charge fees for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz has generated ZERO revenue so far. President Trump's economic sanctions are set to intensify in 10 days, potentially severely damaging Iran's economy.
On Thursday, the German Chancellor stated that Germany is prepared to help secure passage routes in the Strait of Hormuz after hostilities end, contingent on an official mission from the United Nations and approval from the German parliament. Negotiations to discuss potential U.S. armed forces participation are scheduled for Friday in Paris.
U.S. Central Command reported that U.S. forces have blocked 14 vessels from entering or exiting Iranian ports after 72 hours of enforcement, as the military enforces a maritime blockade on Iranian waters.
Iran's Army Commander-in-Chief claimed in a statement that an ambush was set up for U.S. forces south of Isfahan, involving various Iranian military and paramilitary units, resulting in the alleged downing of a C-130 aircraft with the first shot.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed its second trip to the Middle East in the past 15 days during a joint press conference with the U.S. Secretary of War and the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, stating that U.S. forces are deployed in 70 different positions across the region.
