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 accused Iran of mismanaging the critical waterway known as the Strait of Hormuz, calling its actions “not the agreement we have.” The remarks underscore the tensions surrounding the fragile ceasefire, which has sparked disputes over its terms. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to hold direct talks with Lebanon, aiming to disarm Hezbollah and build peaceful relations.
Ceasefire Agreement Ambiguity
The ceasefire, which initially sparked debate over Lebanon’s inclusion, was later contested by Iran, which claimed Israel violated its terms. This confusion led to Iran halting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and threatening retaliation. A US State Department official confirmed a meeting in Washington would address “ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Israel and Lebanon.”
Impact of Israeli Strikes
Israeli air strikes in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah’s rocket infrastructure, caused evacuation alerts in Beirut’s southern suburbs. WHO Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted the Jnah area—housing two major hospitals—was included in these warnings. “At this time, no alternative medical facilities are available to receive approximately 450 patients from the two hospitals (including 40 in ICU), rendering their evacuation operationally unfeasible,” he stated in a
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Lebanese Government’s Measures
Lebanese officials had previously urged a ceasefire before negotiations, but Netanyahu dismissed it, claiming “there is no ceasefire in Lebanon.” The Lebanese cabinet instructed security forces to limit weapons in Beirut to state institutions, with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasizing the need to “reinforce the full imposition of state authority over Beirut Governorate.” Despite this, Hezbollah, which holds political representation in Lebanon, continues military operations.
Peace Talks and Hezbollah’s Role
Netanyahu’s office highlighted that Israel “appreciates today’s call by the Prime Minister of Lebanon to demilitarise Beirut,” framing negotiations around disarming Hezbollah. However, the success of talks remains uncertain without a commitment to a temporary ceasefire. The Lebanese government had banned Hezbollah’s military activities in early March but has yet to fully curb its operations.
Strategic Concerns
Trump also addressed ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries 20% of global oil and LNG. “There are reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers going through the Hormuz Strait,” he wrote on Truth Social. “They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now.” The strikes on Thursday prompted new evacuation alerts, with at least 303 deaths and 1,150 injuries reported, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.
