Trump says Iran’s handling of Strait of Hormuz is ‘not the agreement we have’
Trump Criticizes Iran’s Control Over Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump has claimed Iran is mismanaging the critical Strait of Hormuz, asserting that its approach to oil transit “isn’t the agreement we have.” His remarks highlight tensions surrounding the fragile ceasefire deal, with conflicting interpretations of its terms fueling disputes. The comments follow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement of direct negotiations with Lebanon, aimed at disarming Hezbollah and fostering peace between the two nations.
Lebanese Ceasefire Calls and Israeli Strikes
Lebanese authorities had urged a pause in hostilities before the talks, but Netanyahu stated in a speech to northern Israel residents that “there is no ceasefire in Lebanon.” Israeli air strikes in the region intensified on Thursday, targeting suspected Hezbollah rocket sites in the south, though attacks slowed overnight. Trump noted that Israel would “scale back” its operations to aid peace efforts, saying after a call with Netanyahu, “I spoke with Bibi, and he’s going to low-key it.” The strikes prompted new evacuation alerts in Beirut’s southern suburbs, including the Jnah area, home to two key hospitals.
“At this time, no alternative medical facilities are available to receive approximately 450 patients from the two hospitals (including 40 patients in the ICU), rendering their evacuation operationally unfeasible,” said WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on X.
The WHO official added that among those affected were some of the 1,150 injured reported by Lebanon’s health ministry in Wednesday’s attacks, which killed at least 303 people. The Ministry of Public Health’s headquarters, hosting over 5,000 people in shelters, also lies within the evacuation zone. The ceasefire, which initially sparked debate over Lebanon’s inclusion, was confirmed by US and Israeli officials, while Iranian representatives and Pakistani mediators argued it should apply to the country.
Strait of Hormuz and Oil Traffic
Trump later posted on Truth Social about Iran’s alleged interference with ship movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for 20% of global oil and LNG. “There are reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers,” he wrote, “They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now.” This move by Iran has led to disruptions in shipping, as the country accused Israel of violating the ceasefire to resume blocking vessels.
Israel’s military remains heavily entrenched in southern Lebanon, where recent operations have destroyed villages. Despite Lebanon’s March ban on Hezbollah’s military actions, the group continues its activities. The government’s latest directive requires security forces to limit weapons in Beirut to state institutions, with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stating, “The army and security forces are requested to immediately begin reinforcing the full imposition of state authority over Beirut Governorate.” Netanyahu’s office praised the Lebanese leader’s call for demilitarizing Beirut, emphasizing that negotiations would center on Hezbollah’s disarmament and bilateral peace.
