By Staff Reporter
DUBAI- US President Donald Trump has signalled that the conflict with Iran is unlikely to end anytime soon, expressing dissatisfaction with Tehran’s latest peace proposal. “They’re asking for things I can’t agree to,” he said, cautioning against rushing into an early settlement that could reignite tensions in the future.
Washington has also issued a warning to global shipping operators, stating that any vessels paying tolls or transit fees to Iran while passing through the Strait of Hormuz risk facing US sanctions.
Meanwhile, public opinion in the United States appears increasingly critical of the military action. A recent Washington Post–ABC-Ipsos poll found that 61 percent of Americans believe Trump’s decision to use force against Iran was a mistake.
At the diplomatic level, China has urged restraint. Fu Cong, China’s ambassador to the United Nations, stressed the importance of maintaining the current ceasefire, noting that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will likely feature prominently during Trump’s planned visit to China later this month.
In Lebanon, tensions remain high despite a ceasefire declaration. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri accused Israel of exploiting the truce to intensify its military operations. Reports indicate that at least 16 people were killed in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon on Friday, following more than 30 fatalities the previous day, according to the Lebanese National News Agency.
