The conflict in the Middle East that directly involves Iran, the United States, Israel, and Lebanon has reached eight weeks this Friday (the 24th) and still shows no clear signs of being close to an end.
The week was marked mainly by the extension of the ceasefire on both fronts of the fighting — in the attacks involving Iran and in the confrontation between Israel and Lebanon. On Tuesday (21), the U.S. president, Donald Trump, announced the prolongation of the truce with Iran until a new proposal is presented by Iranian authorities and the discussions are concluded.
The measure was met with skepticism in Tehran. The adviser to the president of the Iranian Parliament and the country’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, described the announcement as a “time-wasting maneuver.” An artificial intelligence-produced video also mocked the truce.
On Thursday (23), Trump announced the decision to extend the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon after a meeting of representatives from the two countries at the White House.
Even so, the attacks never completely ceased. This week, for example, Israel intercepted Iranian missiles launched toward Tel Aviv while striking Iranian infrastructure.
The country also continues to target and invade areas in southern Lebanon. The Arab country even accused Israel of war crimes after bombardments killed a Lebanese journalist.
As a result, the extension of the ceasefire was deemed “senseless” by Hezbollah, according to parliamentarian Ali Fayyad, a representative of the group.
Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz remains at the center of the conflict, and hostilities continue to pass through it. Over the week, Iran intensified its control in the region and seized and attacked foreign ships.
On the other hand, the United States says it will not end the naval blockade until the war ends. The country also seized Iranian oil tankers attempting to cross the strait.
Economic Sanctions
Throughout the week, Washington also imposed new economic sanctions related to Iran. On Tuesday (21), it announced sanctions on individuals and companies linked to trade and air travel.
On Friday, the U.S. disclosed new sanctions that include freezing US$344 million in cryptocurrency.
Possibility of a Deal
Given the situation, the sense throughout the week is that the possibility of a peace agreement between Iran and the United States was receding. “Don’t rush me,” said Donald Trump on Thursday (23), when questioned by reporters about the topic.
Similarly, Iran says there is no hurry to close a deal and asserts that its regime is fully stable, according to officials interviewed by the American TV network NBC News.
Nevertheless, on this Friday (24) a new move by the two countries rekindled hopes for a possible end to the war: CNN reported that special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, would be sent again to Pakistan for talks. On the other side, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi would also travel to the mediator country to discuss the conflict.
War Numbers
- More than 50,000 homes have been destroyed or damaged in Lebanon since the start of the war;
- The country counts at least 2,294 deaths;
- In Iran, at least 3,375 people have died;
- The U.S. has already spent between US$28 billion and US$35 billion on the war, the equivalent of just under US$1 billion per day, according to estimates by independent groups.
