Trump says Iran’s handling of Strait of Hormuz is ‘not the agreement we have’
Trump Condemns Iran’s Management of Strait of Hormuz
Donald Trump, the US President, criticized Iran for its poor handling of oil shipments through the crucial Strait of Hormuz, stating that the nation’s actions “don’t align with the agreement we have.” His remarks highlight the growing tension surrounding the ceasefire terms, which have sparked disputes over their scope and enforcement. This comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to initiate direct discussions with Lebanon, aiming to disarm Hezbollah and foster peace between the two countries.
U.S. to Host Ceasefire Talks
A State Department representative confirmed that the United States will convene a meeting next week in Washington to address ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Israel and Lebanon. Lebanese officials had previously called for a pause in hostilities before the talks, but Netanyahu later asserted in a speech to northern Israel residents that “there is no ceasefire in Lebanon.”
“There are reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers going through the Hormuz Strait,” Trump stated on Truth Social. “They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now.”
Israeli Strikes and Evacuation Alerts
Escalating violence saw Israeli forces strike Lebanon throughout Thursday, targeting Hezbollah rocket sites in the south. Attacks eased overnight, but evacuation warnings were issued for residents in Beirut’s southern suburbs, including the Jnah area, which houses two key hospitals. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization, noted that evacuating around 450 patients—40 of whom are in critical care—was “operationally unfeasible” due to the lack of alternative medical facilities.
Human Toll and Regional Impact
Tedros added that among those affected were some of the 1,150 individuals injured in Wednesday’s Israeli strikes. At least 303 people were reported killed. The Ministry of Public Health’s headquarters, which shelters over 5,000 displaced individuals, is also within the evacuation zone. This latest wave of attacks, the most intense since the conflict began six weeks ago, has reignited concerns about the ceasefire’s effectiveness.
The ceasefire, initially mired in confusion, faced disagreements on whether Lebanon—Israel’s second front—should be included. Iranian officials and Pakistani mediators claimed it was, while US and Israeli representatives insisted it was not. Amid this discord, Iran accused Israel of violating the terms, leading to a temporary blockade of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and threats of retaliation.
Lebanese Government’s Role
Lebanon’s cabinet directed security forces to limit weapons in Beirut to state-controlled areas, urging the army to “reinforce the full imposition of state authority over Beirut Governorate.” Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reiterated this directive at the close of a cabinet session. Netanyahu’s office praised the Lebanese government’s push to demilitarize Beirut, emphasizing that negotiations will center on disarming Hezbollah and achieving lasting peace.
Despite Hezbollah’s political representation in Lebanon, the group remains an independent entity backed by Iran. The Lebanese government had previously banned its military activities in early March but has not curtailed its operations. The success of peace talks hinges on Israel’s commitment to a temporary halt in hostilities, with uncertainty about Hezbollah’s responsiveness to Lebanese authority.
