The two-month truce shattered in one night.
US President Donald Trump has ordered Israel and Iran to immediately stop “shooting” after both countries launched missiles at each other Sunday — their first direct exchange since the April ceasefire.
–How it started: Beirut strikes trigger response–
Israel said it struck Hezbollah targets in southern Beirut. The IDF called it retaliation for rockets Hezbollah fired into northern Israel.
Hours later, Iran answered. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC declared the attacks “the beginning of a full week of continuous strikes”.
–The ceasefire dispute: Does Lebanon count?-
This is the crack in the deal.
Iran argues the April US-Israel ceasefire covers Lebanon and Hezbollah. Israel rejects that. Netanyahu’s government says the war on Hezbollah continues “truce or no truce”.
Before Israel’s reprisal, Trump said he would urge Netanyahu not to hit back. Israel struck anyway.
–Trump’s Truth Social post: “Final negotiations on Peace”–
The president went public on Truth Social:
“Israel and Iran are looking to do an immediate ceasefire. Final negotiations on ‘Peace’ are proceeding, subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way. The Blockade will remain in place, and in full force and effect, until a ‘Final Deal’ is reached. Things should move quickly.”
Translation: Sanctions/blockade stay until a signed deal. Trump claims talks are active.
–But… no confirmation from either side–
Neither Jerusalem nor Tehran has confirmed negotiations. Last week, the US and Iran exchanged strikes even while supposedly talking. Trump still insisted the ceasefire held.
–Why this matters for Nigeria–
1. Fuel price risk: Tension near Strait of Hormuz leads to global oil volatility. Nigeria’s petrol cost follows.
2. US intervention: Trump back as direct broker. Any “final deal” reshapes Middle East alliances.
3. Hezbollah wildcard: Lebanon isn’t a signatory, but it’s now the trigger point.
–Bottom line–
Trump’s order is loud and clear: stop firing. Whether Israel, Iran, and Hezbollah obey it is the real test.
The April ceasefire lasted 60 days. Sunday’s missiles tested if “peace” can survive Lebanon.
