Trump Criticizes Iran’s Management of Oil Passage Through Strategic Waterway

U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized Iran’s handling of oil traffic through the critical Strait of Hormuz, claiming it does not align with the terms of the existing ceasefire agreement. His remarks highlight the ongoing disputes over the scope of the deal, with conflicting interpretations from the parties involved. The situation follows recent developments in Lebanon, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to initiate direct discussions with the Lebanese government, aiming to disarm Hezbollah and foster peace relations.

A U.S. State Department representative confirmed that a meeting would take place in Washington next week to address the current ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Lebanon. However, Lebanese officials had previously called for a halt to hostilities before the talks commenced. In a subsequent address to residents of northern Israel, Netanyahu stated that “there is no ceasefire in Lebanon,” underscoring the tension between the two nations.

Escalation and Evacuation Warnings

Israeli strikes in Lebanon continued throughout Thursday, targeting what it described as Hezbollah’s rocket launch sites in the southern region. The attacks led to renewed evacuation alerts in Beirut’s southern suburbs, including the Jnah area, which houses two major hospitals. According to the World Health Organization’s head, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the evacuation of approximately 450 patients—40 of whom were in intensive care—was deemed unfeasible due to the lack of alternative medical facilities.

“At this time, no alternative medical facilities are available to receive approximately 450 patients from the two hospitals (including 40 patients in the ICU), rendering their evacuation operationally unfeasible,” Tedros said on X.

Tedros also noted that among the injured were some of the 1,150 individuals reported wounded by Lebanon’s health ministry in Wednesday’s attacks, which resulted in at least 303 deaths. The Ministry of Public Health’s headquarters, which serves as a shelter for over 5,000 people, is also within the evacuation zone.

Confusion Over Ceasefire Terms

The ceasefire, which began with uncertainty, faced disputes over whether Lebanon should be included. Iranian officials and Pakistani mediators supported Lebanon’s inclusion, while U.S. and Israeli representatives argued it was not part of the agreement. This confusion prompted Iran to accuse Israel of violating the ceasefire, leading to the suspension of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and threats of retaliation.

Trump reiterated his stance on the issue, posting to Truth Social: “There are reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers going through the Hormuz Strait. They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now.” Meanwhile, Israel’s military maintains control over significant portions of southern Lebanon, where it has destroyed villages in recent days. Without a commitment to a temporary ceasefire, the prospects for productive negotiations remain unclear.

Lebanon’s government has attempted to demilitarize Beirut, banning Hezbollah’s military activities since early March. However, the group continues its operations, despite its political presence in the country. During a cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam ordered security forces to limit weapons to state institutions, emphasizing the reinforcement of state authority in the Beirut Governorate.