Lebanon Ceasefire Takes Effect
President Trump declared a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon beginning at midnight local time, calling it a “ceasefire for peace.” Vice President JD Vance will join follow-up negotiations.
The announcement caught Israeli cabinet ministers off guard. Several expressed frustration that Trump declared the ceasefire before their formal approval, according to Israeli media. Netanyahu told his ministers he complied with Trump’s request, and the security cabinet ended its session without reaching a separate decision on the matter.
Israeli officials stated that IDF forces will not withdraw from southern Lebanon during the ceasefire. Netanyahu separately informed ministers that troops would remain in the area.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and insisted that any ceasefire must be formally agreed before Lebanon-Israel talks proceed. A Lebanese political source told Al-Mayadeen that Beirut rejected a Rubio-brokered proposal for a phone call between Aoun and Netanyahu.
First Direct Talks Since 1993
Earlier in the day, Israel and Lebanon held direct diplomatic negotiations in Washington. The talks aim to reduce tensions following months of cross-border fighting and represent the first such meeting in over three decades.
Ten countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom, issued a joint statement calling for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon. The group cited the worsening humanitarian crisis and the need to protect civilians and aid workers.
In a significant domestic development, 40 of 47 Senate Democrats voted against supplying bulldozers to the Israeli military, and 36 voted against supplying bombs to the IDF. The vote signals a clear shift in congressional support for Israel’s military operations.
Hormuz Standoff and Iran’s Oil Lifeline
US allies are refusing to deploy naval forces in the Strait of Hormuz until a truce with Iran is established. The reluctance leaves the United States largely alone in its effort to keep commercial shipping flowing through the strategic waterway.
Despite the US naval blockade, TankerTrackers reports that Iran has exported 9 million barrels of crude oil from the Gulf of Oman. An additional 2 million barrels departed three days ago. The current US sanctions waiver on Iranian oil remains in effect until April 19, which may explain why those vessels have not been interdicted.
Iran separately halted all petrochemical exports after Israeli strikes damaged the Asaluyeh and Mahshahr complexes, which account for 76% of its capacity. With the naval blockade preventing remaining shipments, annual export revenue of $13 to $15 billion is effectively frozen.
Ceasefire Behind the Lines
Iran is using the current ceasefire period to clear debris from underground missile bases and restore operational access, according to OSINT reports. Military advisor Rezaei warned that Iranian launch systems remain ready to sink US warships if hostilities resume.
Bloomberg reports that Washington and Tehran are discussing a potential two-week extension of the current ceasefire. The consideration comes as both sides assess progress in framework negotiations and ahead of the April 22 expiration deadline.
Negotiations between the US and Iran could resume this week in Islamabad. The talks would focus on framework agreements and ceasefire extension terms, following a recent round that ended without a breakthrough.
A Pakistani military delegation led by the army chief arrived in Tehran, signaling continued diplomatic engagement.
Regional Fallout
Russia’s Security Council Secretary warned that the US and Israel are preparing a ground attack on Iran, according to reports. The claim could not be independently verified.
Trump criticized NATO as a “paper tiger” over allies’ reluctance to support American military actions regarding Iran. The comments underscore growing friction between Washington and its European partners.
Five IDF paratroopers from Battalion 890 were injured when a Hezbollah rocket struck their position in Bint Jbeil, southern Lebanon. One soldier was seriously injured and four sustained light injuries.
