Ceasefire threatened as Israel expands Lebanon strikes, Iran closes strait again

A ceasefire deal to pause the war in Iran appeared to hang by a thread on Wednesday (April 8, 2026) after the Islamic Republic closed the Strait of Hormuz again in response to Israeli attacks in Lebanon.

The White House demanded that the channel be reopened and sought to keep peace talks on track.

The U.S. and Iran both claimed victory after reaching the agreement, and world leaders expressed relief, even as more drones and missiles hit Iran and Gulf Arab countries.

Published - April 09, 2026 05:24 am IST