The ceasefire agreement brokered by Donald Trump with Iran is facing mounting pressure after Israel launched a series of strikes on Lebanon, according to the BBC’s international editor.
Tehran maintains that the deal with the United States and Israel included a halt to attacks on its regional allies. However, the White House has rejected that interpretation, with US vice-president JD Vance describing it as a “misunderstanding”.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Jeremy Bowen said the ceasefire is currently “fragile and tattered” in light of the latest developments.
Middle East Ceasefire Under Strain After Lebanon Strikes
Bowen said: “I personally find it, having looked at the Middle East for many many years, Lebanon and Israel, I find it very hard to believe that that strike yesterday – hitting 100 targets in 10 minutes, causing massive damage and loss of life inside Lebanon – I find it hard to believe it is not connected to the fact that the Israelis want to continue the war against Iran.”
He also noted that Shehbaz Sharif, who played a role in mediating the ceasefire, indicated on social media that Lebanon had been included in the original terms of the agreement.
Meanwhile, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has continued to signal his intention to “reshape the Middle East in Israel’s interest”, Bowen added.
Questions Over ‘Victory’ And Strategic Control
The BBC editor also challenged Trump’s assertion of a “complete victory” over Iran.
He said: “You can argue very strongly with the American characterisation that they’ve had scored a massive victory here because while they’ve had many tactical successes, they clearly strategically have not got that. But they have given [Iran] a hammering.”
Bowen suggested that Iran is unlikely to relinquish its grip over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.
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Iran has effectively restricted the waterway over recent weeks in response to US-Israeli actions, pushing oil prices higher worldwide.
He said: “So what Iran has now is the control of the Strait of Hormuz. They are aware of the power of that. And sure, they’re not going to give it up easily because without that, they give up their influence.”
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