World leaders urgently name ‘all sides to implement the ceasefire’ after ‘assaults’
A joint statement by world leaders including Sir Keir Starmer urgently calling for all side to “implement the ceasefire” agreed by US and Iran over fears attacks have reportedly continued.
Trump and Iran agreed a two-week halt of the conflict but reports in the Middle East suggest some areas are still being targeted, in particular Lebanon.
The statement, signed by the leaders of the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain and the presidents of the European Commission and European Council, welcomed the ceasefire.
They said: “We strongly encourage quick progress towards a substantive negotiated settlement. This will be crucial to protect the civilian population of Iran and ensure security in the region. It can avert a severe global energy crisis.
(Image: WPA Pool, Getty Images)
“We support these diplomatic efforts. To this end, we are in close contact with the United States and other partners. We call upon all sides to implement the ceasefire, including in Lebanon.
“Our governments will contribute to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.”
The statement comes after fears Trump’s ceasefire with Iran might have already been broken following reports that an oil refinery in the Islamic republic has been hit by missile strikes.
(Image: GettyImages)
At least four US/Israeli airstrikes have reportedly targeted the Lavan Oil Refinery on Lavan Island in the Persian Gulf. Two refinery tanks are now on fire and the facility’s staff have been evacuated, the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company said.
These strikes took place several hours after the beginning of the ceasefire.
Lebanon has also claimed ‘hundreds’ have been killed and many wounded in latest wave of alleged Israeli strikes.
As reported by Al Jazeera, Israel’s Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, has said the Israeli army will continue to strike Hezbollah.
In a statement, he said: “We will continue to strike the terrorist organisation Hezbollah and seize every opportunity.
“We will not compromise on the security of the [Israeli] residents of the North. We will continue to attack without pause.
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