Trump says Iran’s handling of Strait of Hormuz is ‘not the agreement we have’
Trump Criticizes Iran’s Management of Hormuz Strait
Donald Trump, the US president, criticized Iran’s handling of the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a “very poor job” and stating it was “not the agreement we have.” His remarks highlighted the ongoing disputes over the ceasefire terms, with conflicting reports emerging about Lebanon’s inclusion. The US State Department confirmed it would host a meeting next week in Washington to discuss “ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Israel and Lebanon.”
Israeli Strikes and Evacuation Concerns
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to engage in direct talks with Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah’s disarmament and peace relations. However, Israeli strikes continued in the south of Lebanon on Thursday, hitting rocket launch sites. These attacks prompted new evacuation alerts for Beirut’s southern suburbs, including the Jnah area, which houses critical medical facilities. The World Health Organization’s head, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, noted that moving approximately 450 patients—40 in intensive care—was “operationally unfeasible” due to lack of alternatives.
“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 Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Netanyahu’s office praised Lebanon’s call for demilitarizing Beirut, stating negotiations would focus on “disarming Hezbollah and establishing peace relations between Israel and Lebanon.” Meanwhile, Iran accused Israel of breaking the ceasefire, leading to a temporary halt in shipping through Hormuz, a vital waterway for 20% of global oil and LNG. Trump added to the tension, posting on Truth Social: “There are reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers going through the Hormuz Strait. They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now.”
Lebanese Government’s Role and Hezbollah’s Status
Lebanon’s cabinet ordered security forces to limit weapons in Beirut to state institutions, aiming to strengthen state authority. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized the move as a step toward “reinforcing the full imposition of state authority over Beirut Governorate.” Despite this, Hezbollah—backed by Iran—continues its military operations, even after the Lebanese government banned its activities in early March. The group remains a key player in the conflict, though it is separate from the government.
The ceasefire, initially debated over Lebanon’s inclusion, faced challenges as Israeli strikes intensified. Iran’s officials and Pakistan mediators claimed the agreement covered Lebanon, while US and Israeli representatives insisted otherwise. This confusion has complicated efforts to secure a temporary pause in hostilities, raising doubts about the effectiveness of talks between Israel and Lebanon. Without such a commitment, the prospects for peace remain uncertain.
With over 1,150 people wounded in Wednesday’s strikes and at least 303 killed, the humanitarian impact of the conflict has escalated. Tedros highlighted that the Ministry of Public Health headquarters, sheltering more than 5,000 individuals, is within the evacuation zone. The situation underscores the fragility of the ceasefire and the stakes for regional stability.
