Trump says Iran’s handling of Strait of Hormuz is ‘not the agreement we have’
Trump says Iran’s handling of Strait of Hormuz is ‘not the agreement we have’
US President Donald Trump criticized Iran for its subpar management of oil transit through the critical Strait of Hormuz, asserting that it does not align with the existing accord. The remarks underscore the precarious state of the ceasefire deal, as reports indicate disputes over its specific terms. This came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that his administration would initiate direct negotiations with Lebanon, aiming to disarm Hezbollah and foster peaceful relations.
Washington Meeting to Address Ceasefire Talks
A State Department representative confirmed plans for a Washington-based meeting next week, aimed at addressing ongoing ceasefire discussions between Israel and Lebanon. Lebanese officials had called for a pause in hostilities before the talks began, but Netanyahu, in a subsequent address to northern Israel residents, stated: “There is no ceasefire in Lebanon.” Israeli strikes continued throughout Thursday, targeting Hezbollah rocket sites in the south, before slowing overnight.
“Israel would be scaling back its strikes in the country to support peace talks. 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.
Evacuation Warnings Amid Medical Crisis
The strikes on Thursday prompted new evacuation alerts for southern Beirut residents, including the Jnah area, which houses two major hospitals. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO head, noted on X that approximately 450 patients, including 40 in the ICU, could not be relocated due to limited medical alternatives. Among those affected were some of the 1,150 individuals wounded in Wednesday’s Israeli attacks, with at least 303 confirmed fatalities.
“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 said.
Lebanon’s Efforts to Demilitarize Beirut
Lebanon’s cabinet instructed security forces to restrict weapons in Beirut to state institutions, per Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. “The army and security forces are requested to immediately begin reinforcing the full imposition of state authority over Beirut Governorate,” he declared. Netanyahu’s office acknowledged the Lebanese call for demilitarization, stating Israel “appreciates today’s call by the Prime Minister of Lebanon to demilitarise Beirut.”
Confusion Over Ceasefire Inclusion
The ceasefire began amid confusion about Lebanon’s inclusion as Israel’s second front. Iranian officials and Pakistani mediators claimed Lebanon was part of the agreement, while US and Israeli representatives insisted it was not. This disagreement led Iran to accuse Israel of violating the ceasefire, resulting in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to shipping and threats of retaliation.
Israel’s military remains entrenched in Lebanon’s southern regions, where recent strikes have destroyed villages. Without a firm commitment to a temporary ceasefire, the effectiveness of peace talks between Israel and Lebanon remains uncertain. The Lebanese government, though banning Hezbollah’s military actions since early March, has yet to halt the group’s operations, which are backed by Iran. The Ministry of Public Health’s headquarters, hosting over 5,000 people in shelters, is also in the evacuation zone, according to Tedros.
According to US outlet Axios, Netanyahu’s statements followed discussions with Trump and White House officials, emphasizing the focus on Hezbollah’s disarmament and regional stability. The ongoing conflict highlights the complex interplay between Lebanese governance and Iran’s influence, complicating the path to lasting peace.
