President Donald Trump sharply criticized Iran on Thursday for what he called a “very poor job” of allowing oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global energy supplies. He warned that Iran’s actions do not match the terms of a recent two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran.
The ceasefire, reached on Tuesday, paused U.S. military strikes on Iran for 14 days. In exchange, Iran was supposed to fully open the Strait of Hormuz to safe and unrestricted commercial shipping, especially oil tankers. Trump stressed that the deal required the “complete, immediate and safe opening” of the strait, which carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas.
In a social media post, Trump wrote that Iran was handling the flow of oil in a “dishonorable” way. He added, “That is not the agreement we have!” Reports also suggest Iran may be charging fees to tankers passing through the strait, something Trump strongly rejected. “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!” he said.
Background on the Ceasefire and Tensions
The U.S. launched Operation Epic Fury in late February to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons. After weeks of conflict, both sides agreed to the temporary ceasefire. Trump described it as a chance for negotiations, but he has made clear that the U.S. will not accept any restrictions on the strait.
The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran and Oman and is a critical chokepoint for oil exports from the Persian Gulf. Any disruption can quickly raise global oil prices and affect energy markets worldwide.
Upcoming Talks in Pakistan
As tensions simmer, Vice President JD Vance is traveling to Islamabad, Pakistan, this weekend for high-stakes negotiations with Iranian representatives. He will be joined by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. White House officials say Trump is optimistic about reaching a longer-term deal that brings lasting peace to the Middle East.
Before departing, Vance said Trump has given the team “clear guidelines.” He added that the U.S. is ready for good-faith talks but will not be “played.” Trump has also said U.S. warships in the region are being reloaded with “the best ammunition” and “the best weapons ever made” in case the talks fail. “We’re going to find out in about 24 hours,” he told the New York Post.
Iranian officials, including parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, have pushed back. They say talks should not start until Israel stops operations in Lebanon and frozen Iranian assets are released.
Continued Fighting in Lebanon
The U.S.-Iran ceasefire does not cover Lebanon, where Israel is still carrying out Operation Roaring Lion against the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. Israeli forces have struck missile sites and other targets, and on Friday they released video showing what they said were Hezbollah rockets launched from a school compound. Israel says the ceasefire agreement explicitly excludes Lebanon.
Regional and International Reactions
Experts and leaders in the region have reacted strongly. A political strategist from the United Arab Emirates said his country will never accept Iran placing conditions or tolls on the strait, calling it a violation of international law and freedom of navigation.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the ceasefire as “fragile” and said reopening the strait without tolls or restrictions is essential. He noted that Gulf countries have strong views on the issue.
An Israeli intelligence official told Fox News that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps appears to be tightening control over the strait during the ceasefire, deciding which ships can pass.
Some analysts believe Iran may be using the talks to “buy time” while its regime faces internal pressure, including recent executions of political prisoners.
What’s Next
The coming days will be critical. Negotiations in Pakistan could determine whether the temporary ceasefire leads to a broader agreement or if military action resumes. Trump has repeatedly said the U.S. wants a deal that puts America first and prevents Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, while keeping key waterways open for global trade.
For now, the world is watching to see if Iran will fully honor the terms on the Strait of Hormuz or if the fragile truce will break down.
