OTTAWA – A two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran is experiencing instability, with reports of ongoing attacks despite the agreement, according to a CBC News broadcast on Wednesday.

Ceasefire Disputes and Regional Concerns

The US Secretary of War expressed confidence the ceasefire would hold and allow for the flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz, stating the strait is currently under military observation. However, Iranian state media claimed the Strait of Hormuz remained closed, a claim disputed by the White House. Caroline Levitt, a White House representative, stated these reports were false and part of conflicting messages from Iran.

A key point of contention is the inclusion of Lebanon in the ceasefire. Iran and Pakistan, mediating the talks, want Lebanon to be off-limits to attacks, while Israel continues its bombing campaign there. The US and Israel maintain that Lebanon is not part of the agreement with Iran.

Another issue is Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. The US Secretary of War stated the US would seek to retrieve it, either through voluntary handover or by force, referencing a past operation called “Midnight Hammer.” Levitt reiterated that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon remains a red line.

In-person talks between US and Iranian representatives are planned for this weekend in Islamabad, Pakistan, led by J.D. Vance and Steve Witkoff for the US side.

Gulf States Report Continued Attacks

Mina al-Araibi, editor-in-chief of The National in Abu Dhabi, told CBC News that Gulf states have intercepted Iranian missiles and drones since the ceasefire announcement. While acknowledging the ceasefire as a step towards de-escalation, she emphasized its fragility and expressed concern that it could give Iran an advantage, particularly regarding control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Al-Araibi also noted that Gulf nations have been preparing for potential Iranian attacks for years and have strengthened their defense capabilities. Despite the military preparations, anxiety remains among the population.

Economic Impact and Oil Prices

The CBC’s Anis Haddari reported that North American stock markets saw gains following news of the ceasefire, while international oil prices decreased. However, Haddari cautioned that oil prices remain significantly higher than they were six months ago, and fuel costs are unlikely to return to pre-war levels in the short term. He also noted that diesel and jet fuel prices are expected to remain elevated due to continued high demand and supply constraints.

Several people interviewed at a gas station in Ottawa expressed concern over rising fuel costs, with one individual stating a recent fill-up cost $80, up from $65 previously.