OTTAWA – A ceasefire between Iran and Israel is facing uncertainty as interpretations of its terms differ, specifically concerning the ongoing conflict in Lebanon and the status of the Strait of Hormuz.

According to CBC’s The National broadcast, Pakistan, the mediator of the agreement, stated the ceasefire includes Lebanon. However, Israel immediately refuted this claim and continued airstrikes in the region. Iran also asserts the ceasefire extends to Lebanon, threatening to block the critical Strait of Hormuz if the truce does not encompass the area.

The White House has sided with Israel, stating the ceasefire was not intended to include Lebanon. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance stated that the U.S. never promised Lebanon would be covered by the agreement, clarifying that the focus was on Iran and the protection of Israel and Gulf Arab states.

Several Western leaders have expressed concern over Israel’s actions. The EU’s chief foreign policy officer, Kaya Callas, posted on X that Israeli strikes are straining the ceasefire and questioned whether heavy-handed actions fall within self-defense. Similar sentiments were echoed by officials in the U.K., Spain, and France.

The situation remains fluid, with the outcome dependent on resolving the dispute over Lebanon’s inclusion in the ceasefire. The disagreement could jeopardize the possibility of peace talks starting this weekend.