US President Donald Trump on Thursday launched a social media offensive, accusing Iran of undermining a newly brokered ceasefire by restricting oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz. “Iran is doing a very poor job—dishonorable, some would say—of allowing oil to go through the Strait,” Trump declared on Truth Social. His remarks escalated tensions just days after the two-week truce took effect, raising concerns about the fragile agreement’s stability.
Despite expectations that the 167-kilometer strait would reopen following Tuesday’s ceasefire announcement, maritime tracking data reveals only 10 vessels have transited since. Iran’s reported plans to impose tolls on passing ships, similar to suggestions Trump has floated himself, further strained the situation. “They better not be [charging fees], and if they are, they better stop now!” Trump warned in an earlier post. His tone darkened as he vowed oil would flow “with or without Iran’s help.”
Diplomatic Maneuvering Amid Rising Tensions
The US leader’s aggression contrasted sharply with his earlier optimism, as Trump told NBC News days earlier that he was “very optimistic” about a peace deal with Iran, noting that Israel was “scaling back” strikes in Lebanon. Yet, he cautioned that failure to reach an agreement would lead to “very painful” consequences. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and special envoy Steve Witkoff are en route to Islamabad for talks with Iranian officials on Saturday.
The fragile ceasefire faces another test after Israel’s devastating strikes on Lebanon on Wednesday, its heaviest since Hezbollah’s involvement in March. While Trump claimed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to “low-key it” with Lebanon, the violence killed hundreds and rattled the truce less than 48 hours after its implementation. Israel and Lebanon are slated to hold Washington talks next week, as the White House insists a lasting Middle East peace remains possible.
