US-Iran ceasefire can’t paper over fires in the Strait of Hormuz

Despite US President Trump's announcement of a ceasefire with Iran, tensions remain high in the Middle East. The Strait of Hormuz continues to be a flashpoint, with recent incidents involving the seizure of commercial vessels by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran views the ongoing US naval blockade on its ports as an act of war and has stated it will not open the Strait of Hormuz until the blockade is lifted. This situation highlights a disconnect between diplomatic pronouncements and on-the-ground realities, with Iran interpreting its actions as enforcement rather than a violation of any ceasefire. The article suggests that the nuclear gap between the US and Iran also remains a significant unresolved issue.

Russia and Ukraine both accused each other of violating the 36-hour Easter ceasefire declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin, which was intended to halt hostilities from Saturday afternoon through Sunday. Ukraine's military reported nearly 2,300 ceasefire violations by Russian forces, including assaults and shelling. Simultaneously, Russia's Defence Ministry claimed nearly 2,000 violations by Ukrainian forces, including drone strikes. The head of Russia's Belgorod region reported two civilian deaths from a Ukrainian attack on Saturday. Despite the mutual accusations and skepticism about the truce, many Ukrainians gathered to celebrate Easter.

Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of violating the Orthodox Easter ceasefire, agreed upon by both sides after proposals from Presidents Putin and Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian military reported nearly 2,300 ceasefire violations by Russia, while Russia's Ministry of Defence claimed almost 2,000 violations by Ukrainian forces between April 11th and 12th. Both sides cited drone strikes, artillery fire, and other attacks. The ceasefire, intended to bring calm to the 1,200km front line, saw only relative peace. The Kremlin stated that Russia would not extend the truce unless Ukraine agrees to Russia's terms for ending the conflict, which began five years ago.

A ceasefire declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin for the Orthodox Easter holiday was quickly undermined by both sides accusing each other of thousands of violations. The 32-hour truce, intended to halt fighting from Saturday afternoon through Sunday, saw Ukraine report 2,299 violations by Russia, while Russia claimed 1,971 violations by Ukraine. Ukraine reported assaults, shelling, and drone activity, while Russia cited drone strikes in border regions that allegedly injured civilians. The head of Russia's Belgorod region also reported the recovery of two civilian bodies following an alleged Ukrainian attack. Both sides agreed to the ceasefire but accused the other of violating it, highlighting the deep mistrust and difficulty in enforcing even temporary pauses in the conflict.