Trump Slams Iran Over Strait of Hormuz as Middle East Ceasefire Talks Stall

US President Donald Trump has accused Iran of doing a “very poor job” in its handling of oil shipments through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, insisting that Tehran’s actions “are not the agreement we have” amid rising uncertainty over regional ceasefire arrangements.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor through which about a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) passes, has become a renewed flashpoint as competing claims emerge over maritime control, tanker fees, and compliance with ceasefire-linked understandings involving Iran, Israel, and Western mediators.

Trump’s remarks, made in a recent interview and reinforced through his Truth Social posts, came as reports suggested Iran may be imposing new conditions on shipping traffic through the waterway. He warned that any unilateral changes or restrictions could threaten global energy stability.

His comments also reflect broader tensions surrounding a fragile and uneven ceasefire framework in the Middle East, where overlapping conflicts involving Israel, Lebanon, and Iran-backed groups continue to complicate diplomacy.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is preparing to begin direct talks with Lebanon, with discussions expected to focus on disarming Hezbollah and exploring long-term arrangements aimed at stabilising the border region.

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A U.S. State Department official confirmed that Washington will host a meeting next week to advance ceasefire discussions involving Israel and Lebanon, signalling renewed diplomatic efforts to contain escalating violence.

However, contradictions remain over the scope of any ceasefire agreement. Netanyahu has insisted that “there is no ceasefire in Lebanon,” even as diplomatic channels continue to operate. Israeli airstrikes reportedly continued across southern Lebanon, targeting what the military described as Hezbollah rocket launch sites, though some operations appeared to slow overnight.

Trump, referencing a call with Netanyahu, told NBC News that Israel would “scale back” military operations in Lebanon to support ongoing peace efforts. “He’s going to low-key it,” Trump said, urging restraint to allow negotiations to progress.

The conflict has had severe humanitarian consequences. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that evacuation orders in Beirut’s southern districts, including Jnah, have placed major hospitals at risk, with hundreds of patients—including intensive care cases—unable to be safely moved.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry has said more than 1,100 people were wounded and at least 300 killed during recent waves of Israeli strikes, intensifying pressure on medical facilities already operating beyond capacity.

Confusion also persists over earlier ceasefire arrangements, with conflicting interpretations from Iran, Israel, the United States, and mediators regarding whether Lebanon was included in the agreement. This ambiguity has contributed to renewed strikes and diplomatic friction.

Iran, meanwhile, has accused Israel of violating ceasefire terms and previously signalled potential retaliatory measures, including disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, further heightening global concern over energy security.

Analysts warn that continued instability in both Lebanon and the Persian Gulf could have far-reaching implications for global oil prices, shipping routes, and broader regional security, especially if diplomatic talks fail to produce a unified enforcement mechanism.

Diplomatic meetings are expected to continue in Washington and through regional channels in the coming days as mediators attempt to clarify ceasefire terms and prevent further escalation across multiple fronts.

Trump Slams Iran Over Strait of Hormuz as Middle East Ceasefire Talks Stall

Melania Trump Denies Epstein Links, Calls for Public Hearings for Survivors

Melania Trump has denied any connection to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, calling recent allegations linking her to him false and urging that such claims “end today.”

Speaking at the White House, Melania said she had only briefly “crossed paths” with Epstein in 2000 and insisted she had no involvement in his criminal activities or any knowledge of abuse allegations connected to him. She also rejected claims circulating online that Epstein introduced her to Donald Trump, describing the suggestion as a “misleading and mean-spirited attempt” to damage her reputation.

Melania Trump urged the United States Congress to hold formal hearings for Epstein survivors, saying victims should be given the opportunity to testify under oath. She called for survivors to publicly share their experiences if they wish, adding that their testimonies should be entered into the congressional record to ensure transparency and accountability. Her comments are expected to intensify ongoing political discussions in Washington over how Congress and federal agencies should handle remaining questions around Epstein’s network and past associations.

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She also dismissed claims linking her to Ghislaine Maxwell, saying she does not know her personally. She referred to a previously reported 2002 email exchange, describing it as “casual correspondence” and a routine polite response, rather than evidence of a relationship.

Epstein survivors and advocacy groups have responded cautiously to the statement. Some welcomed renewed attention on congressional hearings, while others warned that further public scrutiny could place additional emotional burden on victims who have already testified or are bound by legal restrictions.

Lawmakers from both parties have also reacted, with some supporting the idea of renewed hearings and others urging caution to avoid politicising survivors’ experiences.

The remarks come amid continued debate in the United States over the handling of investigations related to Epstein and the disclosure of related documents. While former President Donald Trump has acknowledged knowing Epstein socially in the past, he has previously stated that their relationship ended before Epstein’s legal troubles became public.

Authorities have not accused Melania Trump of any wrongdoing in connection with the Epstein case. Her statement is expected to further fuel public and political debate over transparency, accountability, and the handling of high-profile abuse allegations in the United States.

Melania Trump Denies Epstein Links, Calls for Public Hearings for Survivors

Israel Questions Pakistan’s Credibility as Mediator in US‑Iran Ceasefire Talks

Israel has publicly doubted Pakistan’s role as a mediator in the ongoing United States–Iran ceasefire negotiations, describing Islamabad as “not a credible player” in the diplomatic process. The comments from Israel’s ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, come ahead of scheduled direct talks between U.S. and Iranian officials in Islamabad on April 11, reportedly to be attended by U.S. Vice President JD Vance.

Azar acknowledged that the United States may have strategic reasons for using Pakistan’s facilitation, but he emphasized that Israel’s primary concern remains the removal of Hezbollah’s terrorist infrastructure in southern Lebanon. He highlighted recent Israeli air operations that reportedly eliminated over 250 Hezbollah operatives and reiterated that disarming the group south of the Litani River is essential to protect Israeli communities.

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Drawing parallels with past U.S. diplomatic efforts, Azar compared Pakistan’s mediation to previous roles played by Qatar and Turkey in negotiating truces in Gaza, suggesting such mediators were sometimes selected for convenience rather than effectiveness. He stressed that Israel’s objective is to remain closely aligned with the United States on the substance and outcome of any regional agreement.

Regarding the U.S.–Iran ceasefire, Azar expressed support for the two-week truce while noting that Israel considers Lebanon outside its scope. He warned that continued Iranian and Israeli military actions in Lebanon could jeopardize the fragile agreement, potentially destabilizing the Strait of Hormuz and broader Middle East security.

The ceasefire talks themselves remain delicate. While Pakistan has positioned itself as a facilitator, Tehran has acknowledged Islamabad’s role but continues to insist on substantive agreements over nuclear development, missile programs, and regional security obligations. Meanwhile, Israel maintains a firm stance that its operations in southern Lebanon are necessary to neutralize threats from Hezbollah.

The diplomatic dispute over Pakistan’s credibility highlights deep divisions among key stakeholders in the region, underscoring the challenges in maintaining a fragile truce while addressing the security concerns of multiple actors. Observers will closely monitor whether the upcoming Islamabad talks can reconcile these differences and produce a sustainable agreement.

Israel Questions Pakistan’s Credibility as Mediator in US‑Iran Ceasefire Talks