Middle East: a truce in Iran and turmoil in Lebanon

To the great relief of the Iranian people, a two-week ceasefire was secured on Wednesday 8 April between the United States and Iran, following Donald Trump’s vociferous threats of annihilation. As is often the case, each side is claiming victory. But the United States has failed to topple the mullahs’ regime and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran has suffered significant losses and destruction. Negotiations are due to take place from Friday in Islamabad, on unclear terms. This truce is all the more fragile given that Lebanon, which is not covered by the ceasefire, continues to bear the brunt of the Netanyahu government’s fury. On Wednesday, massive strikes on Beirut and several towns and villages left more than 250 dead and thousands injured in a matter of hours. Faced with the carnage, Iran has threatened to break the truce if the ceasefire is not extended to Lebanon.