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 criticized Iran for its ineffectively managed control of the Strait of Hormuz, claiming it deviates from the existing agreement. The remarks highlight the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the ceasefire deal, with conflicting interpretations about its scope. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to initiate direct talks with Lebanon, aiming to address Hezbollah’s military presence and foster peaceful ties.
A State Department representative confirmed that Washington will host a meeting next week to discuss the progress of ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Lebanon. Despite Lebanese officials urging a pause in hostilities before discussions begin, Netanyahu stated in a speech to northern Israel residents that “there is no ceasefire in Lebanon.” The day prior, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon had targeted suspected Hezbollah rocket launch sites, leading to a temporary reduction in attacks overnight.
“I spoke with Bibi and he’s going to low-key it. I just think we have to be sort of a little more low-key,” Trump told NBC News after a call with Netanyahu.
Thursday’s strikes prompted new evacuation alerts for residents in Beirut’s southern suburbs, including the Jnah area with two major hospitals. WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that evacuating approximately 450 patients, including 40 in the ICU, was unfeasible due to lack of alternative medical facilities. Among those injured were some of the 1,150 people reported wounded in Wednesday’s attacks, which caused at least 303 deaths.
Tedros also highlighted that the Ministry of Public Health headquarters, sheltering over 5,000 people in five shelters, lies within the evacuation zone. The initial ceasefire, marred by disputes over Lebanon’s inclusion, saw Iran accuse Israel of violating terms, prompting the closure of Hormuz Strait shipping and threats of retaliation. Trump later posted on Truth Social, noting “reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers going through the Hormuz Strait” and urging them to “stop now.”
Israel’s military remains entrenched in Lebanon’s south, where it has destroyed villages in recent days. The Lebanese government, which banned Hezbollah’s military activities in early March, now seeks to restrict weapons in Beirut to state institutions. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam instructed security forces to “immediately begin reinforcing the full imposition of state authority over Beirut Governorate.” Netanyahu’s office welcomed Lebanon’s call for demilitarization, emphasizing the focus on “disarming Hezbollah and establishing peace relations” between the two nations.
