Trump Criticizes Iran’s Handling of Strait of Hormuz, Cites Ceasefire Disputes
President Trump criticized Iran’s management of the Strait of Hormuz, calling it “not the agreement we have” during an interview. He claimed the country was failing to uphold its obligations regarding oil transit through the critical waterway, which handles 20% of global oil and LNG shipments. “They better not be [charging fees] and, if they are, they better stop now,” Trump asserted on Truth Social, referencing reports of Iran imposing tolls on tankers.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to engage in direct talks with Lebanon, focusing on Hezbollah’s disarmament and fostering peace. The US State Department confirmed a meeting in Washington would be held next week to discuss ongoing ceasefire negotiations. However, Lebanese officials had previously urged a pause in hostilities before the discussions began, while Netanyahu declared,
“There is no ceasefire in Lebanon.”
Thursday’s Israeli strikes on Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah rocket sites, intensified evacuation warnings in Beirut’s southern suburbs. The World Health Organization’s head, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, noted that the Jnah area—home to two major hospitals—was included in the alerts. “Approximately 450 patients, including 40 in ICU, cannot be evacuated due to lack of alternative medical facilities,” he said. Among the injured were some of the 1,150 Lebanese citizens reported wounded in Wednesday’s attacks, which left at least 303 dead.
Iran accused Israel of violating the ceasefire after the strikes, leading to a temporary blockade of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The country’s officials, alongside Pakistan mediators, had debated whether Lebanon should be part of the agreement, with US and Israeli representatives firmly stating it was not. This confusion escalated as Iran threatened retaliatory measures, citing Israel’s actions as breaches of the accord.
Israel’s military continues to occupy southern Lebanon, where it has razed villages in recent days. The Lebanese government, aiming to assert control, ordered security forces to limit weapons in Beirut to state institutions. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated at a cabinet meeting,
“The army and security forces are requested to immediately begin reinforcing the full imposition of state authority over Beirut Governorate.”
Despite these efforts, Hezbollah—backed by Iran—remains active, even as the government has restricted its military operations since early March.
Netanyahu’s office emphasized Israel’s appreciation for Lebanon’s call to demilitarize Beirut, though the extent of Hezbollah’s influence over the talks remains unclear. The militant group, while represented in Lebanon’s government, operates independently, complicating peace negotiations. Without a firm commitment to a temporary ceasefire, progress between the nations appears uncertain.
