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

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