US President Donald Trump said American military assets would remain positioned in and around Iran until the country fully complies with what he described as a “real agreement," warning of a stronger response if the terms are not met.
“All U.S. Ships, Aircraft, and Military Personnel, with additional Ammunition, Weaponry, and anything else that is appropriate and necessary for the lethal prosecution and destruction of an already substantially degraded Enemy, will remain in place in, and around, Iran, until such time as the REAL AGREEMENT reached is fully complied with," Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Thursday.
Trump indicated that the continued deployment of US military resources is intended to ensure compliance with the terms of the agreement aimed at pausing the conflict involving Iran.
He warned that any deviation from the agreement could lead to intensified military action.
“If for any reason it is not, which is highly unlikely, then the ‘Shootin’ Starts,’ bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before," Trump wrote.
STRAIT OF HORMUZ AND NUCLEAR DEMANDS REITERATED
In his post, Trump also stressed long-standing US demands regarding Iran’s nuclear programme and the continued functioning of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments.
“It was agreed, a long time ago, and despite all of the fake rhetoric to the contrary – NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS and, the Strait of Hormuz WILL BE OPEN & SAFE," Trump said.
He added that the US military remained prepared for further operations if required.
“In the meantime our great Military is Loading Up and Resting, looking forward, actually, to its next Conquest. AMERICA IS BACK!" Trump said.
According to AP, the status of Iran’s nuclear programme remains unclear even as the US has indicated it would work with Tehran to remove buried enriched uranium, a key issue linked to concerns about nuclear weapons capability.
CEASEFIRE DEAL UNDER STRAIN AMID CONTINUED REGIONAL VIOLENCE
The ceasefire agreement aimed at pausing the conflict appeared increasingly fragile after Iran again closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli attacks in Lebanon.
The White House called the move “completely unacceptable," with press secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterating Trump’s demand that the waterway remain open.
The US and Iran have both claimed success following the agreement, even as more drones and missiles struck Iran and Gulf Arab countries, highlighting the continuing volatility of the situation.
At the same time, Israel intensified strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, hitting commercial and residential areas in Beirut.
Lebanon’s health ministry said at least 182 people were killed on Wednesday, marking the deadliest day in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
US Vice President JD Vance described the ceasefire as “fragile," underscoring uncertainty surrounding its implementation.
DISPUTES OVER TERMS OF AGREEMENT PERSIST
Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, said planned talks were “unreasonable," accusing Washington of breaking three of Tehran’s 10 conditions for ending hostilities.
Qalibaf cited Israeli attacks on Hezbollah, an alleged drone incursion into Iranian airspace after the ceasefire took effect, and the US refusal to accept any Iranian enrichment capability in a final deal.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said ending the war in Lebanon was part of the ceasefire arrangement, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump have said the truce does not apply to Lebanon.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister, whose country mediated talks, earlier indicated the agreement would apply “everywhere, including Lebanon and elsewhere."
Meanwhile, maritime intelligence firm Windward said only 11 vessels moved through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, roughly in line with previous days, as uncertainty continued over shipping conditions.
The White House said Vice President JD Vance could lead American negotiators in upcoming peace talks that may begin in Pakistan as soon as Friday, as diplomatic efforts continue alongside ongoing military tensions in the region.
Source: News18
