OTTAWA – A recently announced ceasefire between Iran and Israel is facing challenges due to conflicting interpretations of its terms, specifically concerning the ongoing conflict in Lebanon. The uncertainty was highlighted during CBC’s The National broadcast.

According to the broadcast, while Pakistan, the mediator of the agreement, stated that the ceasefire includes Lebanon, Israel immediately refuted this claim and continued airstrikes in the region. Several Western leaders echoed the call for the ceasefire to extend to Lebanon, including the EU’s chief foreign policy officer, Kaya Callas, who stated on X that Israel’s strikes were raising questions about self-defense and straining the truce. Similar sentiments were expressed by officials in the U.K., Spain, and France.

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance sided with Israel, stating, “I think the Iranians thought that the ceasefire included Lebanon and it just didn’t. We never made that promise.” However, he added that Israel had offered to “check themselves a little bit in Lebanon” to facilitate successful negotiations.

Iran has warned that it will block the strategically important Strait of Hormuz if Israel continues its attacks on Lebanon. While some ships are still transiting the strait, traffic has significantly decreased. Iran’s deputy foreign minister asserted that the Strait belongs to Iran and Oman, and any security guarantees are contingent on a U.S. military withdrawal. The head of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company urged Iran to open the strait unconditionally, calling Iran’s actions a form of coercion.

Reports indicate Iran is charging tolls, potentially up to $2 million, for ships using the Iranian route through the Strait. Some vessels are opting for this route, amid concerns that Iran may have laid anti-ship sea mines in international waters.

U.S. President Donald Trump took to social media, stating that U.S. forces remain prepared for military action if the agreement is not fully complied with. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen criticized the situation, stating the U.S. is “worse off today” than before the conflict, with Iran now able to control the Strait of Hormuz.

Vice President Vance is set to lead the American delegation to peace talks, a task described as “legacy defining” given his past skepticism towards military intervention. He stated his role thus far has been focused on communication, expressing optimism about the current state of negotiations.