Iran-US war latest: Tehran says Trump ‘betraying diplomacy’ with Hormuz blockade and excessive peace demands
US forces fired at a cargo ship, the *Lian Star*, for allegedly breaching a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran accused Donald Trump of undermining diplomacy. Meanwhile, Israel advanced into southern Lebanon, capturing Beaufort Castle and pushing deeper than in decades, despite a ceasefire, as Lebanon’s PM condemned Israel’s escalation as a 'scorched-earth policy.'
US Central Command (Centcom) forces targeted the *Gambia*-flagged cargo ship *Lian Star* in the Gulf of Oman on Saturday, striking its engine room after it allegedly ignored over 20 warnings to stop breaching a naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz. The attack stranded the vessel, escalating tensions between the US and Iran, which has accused Washington of obstructing maritime transit. In Lebanon, Israeli troops captured the Crusader-era Beaufort fortress near Nabatiyeh, marking their deepest incursion in over 25 years. The military stated the operation aimed to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure and eliminate threats to Israeli civilians, warning it could expand further despite a ceasefire that took effect on April 17. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the offensive as a 'scorched-earth policy,' accusing Israel of collective punishment and destabilization. Iran’s senior official Mohsen Rezaei criticized Donald Trump for allegedly undermining diplomacy, citing the Hormuz blockade and excessive US demands as obstacles to a potential peace deal. Trump, meanwhile, used social media to criticize Pope Francis over his stance on the US-Israeli conflict, while the Vatican reiterated its commitment to the Gospel. Qatar rejected permanent transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz but expressed openness to temporary tolls if used for mine-clearing or other logistical purposes. The comments came during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, where Qatar’s deputy prime minister emphasized the economic impact of such fees on global consumers. The escalations in Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz highlight deepening regional tensions, with military actions and diplomatic disputes intertwining in the broader conflict between Israel, Iran, and their allies.
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