Trump says Iran’s handling of Strait of Hormuz is ‘not the agreement we have’
Trump Criticizes Iran’s Management of Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump has criticized Iran for its handling of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, calling it “not the agreement we have.” The remarks highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding the ceasefire deal, which has sparked debates over its terms. Reports indicate disagreements about whether Lebanon, a key ally of Iran, was included in the agreement.
Israeli-Lebanese Ceasefire Talks Begin
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that his government would initiate direct discussions with Lebanon, aiming to disarm Hezbollah and foster peaceful relations. The talks are set to take place in Washington, where a US State Department official confirmed a meeting would be held to review the ceasefire negotiations. Lebanese officials had previously urged for a pause in hostilities before the talks commenced.
“There is no ceasefire in Lebanon,” Netanyahu stated in a speech to northern Israel residents, despite ongoing Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah’s rocket sites.
Israeli military operations in Lebanon intensified on Thursday, prompting new evacuation alerts in Beirut’s southern districts. The World Health Organization’s head, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, noted that the Jnah area, home to two hospitals, was included in the evacuation plan. However, he emphasized that no backup medical facilities were available for the 450 patients, including 40 in ICU, making the effort challenging.
Escalation and Evacuation Concerns
Tedros also mentioned that the Ministry of Public Health’s headquarters, which shelters over 5,000 people, falls within the evacuation zone. The latest strikes, which wounded at least 1,150 individuals and killed 303, intensified pressure on the ceasefire. Iran accused Israel of violating the agreement, leading to the suspension of oil and LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
“There are reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers going through the Hormuz Strait,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now.”
Trump claimed that Israel would reduce its attacks in Lebanon to aid peace talks, stating after a call with Netanyahu, “I spoke with Bibi and he’s going to low-key it.” Meanwhile, Lebanon’s cabinet ordered security forces to limit weapons in Beirut to state institutions, with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam asserting that the army would “reinforce the full imposition of state authority over Beirut Governorate.”
Despite these measures, Hezbollah remains active, supported by Iran, even after the Lebanese government banned its military activities in March. Analysts suggest the success of talks hinges on Israel’s commitment to a temporary pause in hostilities. The US outlet Axios reported that Netanyahu’s stance followed discussions with Trump and White House officials, focusing on Hezbollah’s disarmament.
