U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American military forces will remain stationed in and around Iran, warning that attacks could resume if Tehran fails to fully comply with the terms of their agreement.
“All US Ships, Aircraft, and Military Personnel, with additional Ammunition, Weaponry and anything else that is appropriate and necessary for the lethal prosecution and destruction… will remain in place in, and around, Iran, until such time as the REAL AGREEMENT reached is fully complied with,” Trump declared in a post on Truth Social Thursday afternoon (Philippine time).
He cautioned that any breach of the deal would trigger renewed hostilities.
“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,” he added.
Iran, however, criticized ongoing negotiations for a permanent peace accord, calling them “unreasonable” following Israel’s recent attack on Lebanon that reportedly killed hundreds.
The two sides also issued conflicting statements regarding Iran’s nuclear program. Trump claimed Iran agreed to halt uranium enrichment, while Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bager Qalibaf insisted enrichment would continue under the terms of the ceasefire.
“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 asserted.
The developments highlight the fragile state of negotiations, with regional tensions continuing to complicate efforts toward a lasting peace.