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’s control over the vital Strait of Hormuz, claiming it is “not the agreement we have.” His remarks highlight tensions surrounding the fragile ceasefire, which has sparked disputes over its terms. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to initiate direct negotiations with Lebanon, aiming to disarm Hezbollah and foster peaceful ties. The US State Department confirmed it would host discussions on the ceasefire in Washington next week.
Lebanese Calls for Ceasefire Amid Striking Activity
Lebanese officials had previously urged a pause in hostilities before talks commenced. However, Netanyahu stated in a speech to northern Israel residents that “there is no ceasefire in Lebanon.” Israeli strikes continued on Thursday, targeting Hezbollah rocket sites, leading to a temporary reduction in attacks overnight. Trump claimed Israel would “scale back” its operations to aid peace talks, telling NBC News: “I spoke with Bibi and he’s going to low-key it.”
Health Crisis in Beirut’s Southern Suburbs
As strikes intensified, evacuation alerts were issued for Beirut’s southern neighborhoods, including the Jnah area, home to two critical hospitals. WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted on X that “no alternative medical facilities are available” for 450 patients, including 40 in ICU, making evacuation difficult. Among the injured were 1,150 individuals reported by Lebanon’s health ministry, with at least 303 fatalities. The Ministry of Public Health headquarters, housing over 5,000 people in shelters, also fell within the affected zone.
Iran’s Ceasefire Challenges and Strategic Moves
The ceasefire faced confusion over Lebanon’s inclusion. While Iranian officials and Pakistani mediators argued for it, US and Israeli representatives insisted it did not cover the country. This disagreement led Iran to accuse Israel of breaching the pact, prompting the suspension of shipping through Hormuz. Trump highlighted concerns over Iran’s potential tolls on tankers, posting on Truth Social: “They better not be [charging fees] and, if they are, they better stop now.”
Lebanon’s Efforts to Restrict Hezbollah
Israel maintains a military presence in southern Lebanon, where it has razed villages. The Lebanese government, seeking to assert control, ordered security forces to limit weapons in Beirut to state institutions. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated after a cabinet meeting: “The army and security forces are requested to immediately begin reinforcing the full imposition of state authority over Beirut Governorate.” Netanyahu’s office praised the Lebanese call for Beirut’s demilitarization, emphasizing talks would center on Hezbollah’s disarmament and Israel-Lebanon relations.