A temporary ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is officially extended by three weeks as the United States tightens its naval blockade on Iranian ports. Global crude oil prices crossed $100 a barrel on Friday amid the escalating maritime standoff.
President Donald Trump announced the 21-day extension Thursday night on Truth Social following an Oval Office meeting. The initial 10-day pause was scheduled to expire on Sunday.
During the White House talks, which included Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Hezbollah representatives were excluded.
Following the exclusion, the militant group launched a retaliatory rocket salvo at the northern Israeli settlement of Shtula on Thursday. Hezbollah cited alleged ceasefire violations as the trigger for the attack.
The broader administration strategy involves upcoming invitations to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to coordinate the disarmament of Hezbollah.
Trump stated he will not rush a broader peace deal with Iran. The US Navy received direct orders to shoot and kill any Iranian boats attempting to lay mines in the contested waters. Trump claimed the US now holds total control over the Strait of Hormuz.
The US administration is executing a diplomatic siege model. Washington is actively building direct security relationships with the Lebanese government to isolate Hezbollah while maintaining heavy military pressure on Tehran. The indefinite halt to commercial maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has sparked immediate warnings of a prolonged global energy shock.