US-Israel-Iran War Latest Live Update: Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Extended For 45 Days as Trump & Merz Push Iran to Reopen Strait Of Hormuz

Middle East Tensions: Israel and Lebanon extended their ceasefire for 45 days, but rising tensions involving Iran, Hezbollah and the Strait of Hormuz continue to threaten regional stability, global oil markets and international diplomacy.

By: Amreen Ahmad
Last Updated: May 16, 2026 09:42:00 IST

US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: West Asia remains trapped in a dangerous cycle of military escalation, fragile diplomacy and growing geopolitical rivalry. The latest developments involving Israel, Iran, Lebanon, Hezbollah and major global powers show how quickly a regional conflict can spill into global economic and security concerns while the extension of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire for another 45 days has temporarily reduced fears of an immediate full-scale war, tensions surrounding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz continue to unsettle world leaders and energy markets.

US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Gets Temporary Extension

The United States confirmed that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire by another 45 days as per Al Jazeera. The move comes amid sustained violence across southern Lebanon and increasing international pressure to avoid a wider regional war while diplomatic sources say negotiators from both sides are continuing talks in Washington to preserve the fragile truce.

Despite ceasefire efforts, Israeli air raids have continued while lebanese authorities claim more than 2,800 people have been killed since hostilities intensified earlier this year. On Friday alone, an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon reportedly killed six people and injured 22 others.

US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: Trump & Merz Push Iran to Reopen Strait Of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz jointly urged Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume nuclear negotiations, warning that global energy security remains at risk nearly 20% of the world’s oil passes through the route daily. “Iran must come to the negotiating table now,” Merz said after speaking with Trump and oil prices have already climbed above $109 per barrel amid fears of prolonged disruption.

“We agree: Iran must come to the negotiating table now. It must open the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran must not be allowed to have nuclear weapons,” Merz wrote on X. “We also discussed a peaceful solution for Ukraine and coordinated our positions ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara. The US and Germany are strong partners in a strong NATO.”

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US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: Strait Of Hormuz Emerges As Global Flashpoint

The Strait of Hormuz has become the center of international concern nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through the narrow waterway every day, making it one of the most strategically important trade routes globally WITH Any disruption could severely affect fuel prices, shipping costs and global inflation.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz revealed that he and US President Donald Trump agreed Iran must reopen and secure the Strait of Hormuz while returning to negotiations over its nuclear programme. Trump also discussed the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who reportedly supported maintaining open energy routes to protect global trade stability.

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US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: Iran Pushes Back Against Western Pressure

Iran has strongly rejected mounting pressure from Washington and its allies while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged BRICS nations to condemn US-Israeli military actions, calling them violations of international law. Tehran has repeatedly warned that continued sanctions and military threats could destabilize the Gulf further.

Iranian officials also warned that global economies could face “real pain” if rising tensions trigger higher debt costs, mortgage rates and oil prices. Earlier this week, Trump admitted he believed crude oil prices could potentially surge to $200 per barrel during the crisis.

US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: Hezbollah Attacks Keep Border Tensions Alive

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a drone strike targeting Israeli forces near the northern border town of Rosh HaNikra. Israeli officials confirmed casualties after the drone landed inside Israeli territory, injuring four civilians, including one critically.

The attack underlined how volatile the border remains despite diplomatic efforts while israeli military officials claim they struck more than 65 Hezbollah linked targets in the last 24 hours across southern and eastern Lebanon.

US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: Gaza Violence Continues Despite Diplomacy

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen as reports indicate at least seven Palestinians were killed in fresh Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip, while four others reportedly died in northern Gaza during ceasefire discussions.

According to United Nations estimates, tens of thousands of civilians have been displaced since the conflict intensified and international humanitarian agencies continue to warn about shortages of food, fuel and medical supplies.

Israeli strike on southern Lebanon has led to the death of 6 people. 22 people have been injured as well. According to a report from Al Jazeera, at least 7 people have lost their lives after Israeli strike on Gaza strip.

US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: BRICS Meeting Reveals Deep Regional Divisions

The ongoing conflict exposed internal tensions during the BRICS foreign ministers meeting as diplomats reported sharp disagreements between Iran and the United Arab Emirates regarding accusations tied to attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reportedly stepped in to calm discussions as member nations struggled to reach a unified position on the conflict.

US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: India Raises Alarm Over Energy Security

India expressed concern over the growing instability in West Asia as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar warned that escalating conflict around the Strait of Hormuz threatens maritime trade routes and global energy supplies.

India imports nearly 85% of its crude oil requirements, making any disruption in Gulf shipping lanes a major economic risk and rising oil prices could increase inflationary pressure across several developing economies.

US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: West Bank And Jerusalem Witness Fresh Unrest

Violence also escalated in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israeli forces and settlers carried out raids in several Palestinian towns including Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem and Jenin. Palestinian media reported arrests, clashes and settler attacks on homes and vehicles while, Jerusalem Day marches by Israeli nationalists sparked further controversy after some participants shouted anti-Arab slogans under heavy police deployment.

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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available reports and evolving developments. Facts and casualty figures may change with official updates.

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