Trump says Iran’s handling of Strait of Hormuz is ‘not the agreement we have’
Trump Criticizes Iran’s Management of Hormuz Strait
US President Donald Trump has criticized Iran for managing the crucial Strait of Hormuz poorly, stating it is “not the agreement we have.” His remarks highlight the uncertainty surrounding the ceasefire deal, with disagreements emerging over its specific terms. This follows news that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to initiate direct discussions with Lebanon, aiming to disarm Hezbollah and establish peaceful ties.
US Hosts Ceasefire Negotiations
A State Department representative confirmed that the United States will convene a meeting in Washington next week to address ongoing negotiations between Israel and Lebanon. Lebanese officials had previously urged a pause in hostilities before the talks, yet Netanyahu asserted in a speech to northern Israel residents: “There is no ceasefire in Lebanon.”
Evacuation Warnings Amid Strikes
On Thursday, Israeli strikes in Lebanon intensified, focusing on Hezbollah’s rocket launch sites in the south. The attacks led to fresh evacuation alerts for residents in Beirut’s southern suburbs, including the Jnah area, home to two key hospitals. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s head, noted on X that evacuating approximately 450 patients—40 in ICU—would be difficult due to a lack of alternative medical care.
“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,” Tedros stated.
Impact on Civilian Casualties
Tedros added that among the injured in the hospitals were part of the 1,150 individuals reported wounded by Lebanon’s health ministry in Wednesday’s strikes. At least 303 people lost their lives. The Ministry of Public Health’s headquarters, which hosts shelters for over 5,000 individuals, is also within the evacuation zone.
Iran’s Ceasefire Disputes
The ceasefire’s inclusion of Lebanon sparked confusion, with Iranian officials and Pakistan mediators claiming it was part of the deal, while US and Israeli representatives insisted otherwise. This ambiguity led Iran to accuse Israel of violating the agreement, prompting it to block shipping through Hormuz and threaten counterattacks.
Trump’s Comments on Ship Traffic
Trump shared updates on Hormuz ship traffic via Truth Social, noting reports of Iran imposing fees on tankers. “They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now,” he tweeted. Despite this, Israel’s military operations in southern Lebanon continue, with villages recently targeted.
Lebanese Government Actions
Lebanon’s cabinet ordered security forces to limit weapons in Beirut to state institutions, as PM Nawaf Salam declared: “The army and security forces are requested to immediately begin reinforcing the full imposition of state authority over Beirut Governorate.” Netanyahu’s office acknowledged Lebanon’s call for demilitarizing Beirut, framing the talks around Hezbollah’s disarmament and peace between the nations.
