WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that American military assets will continue operating in and around Iran, warning that force could be used again if Tehran fails to fully honor its commitments under a recent agreement.
Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that US ships, aircraft, and personnel along with additional weaponry will remain deployed until what he described as the “real agreement” is fully implemented.
He cautioned that any violation could trigger a renewed military response. “If compliance is not met, which I doubt, then the response will be stronger than ever before,” he said.
The remarks come amid rising tensions following Iran’s assertion that moving forward with long-term peace talks would be “unreasonable,” particularly after Israel carried out intense airstrikes in Lebanon that resulted in heavy casualties.
Differences remain stark between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program. Trump has claimed that Iran agreed to halt uranium enrichment, while Iranian officials including parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf insist enrichment rights remain intact under the ceasefire framework.
Trump also reiterated that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and ensuring the security of the Strait of Hormuz remain key US priorities.
Meanwhile, the White House confirmed that a US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance will travel to Pakistan to begin a new round of negotiations with Iranian representatives. Talks are expected to start on Saturday.
Iran’s delegation is likely to be headed by Qalibaf, alongside Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, particularly after several senior Iranian figures were reportedly killed during recent hostilities.
Although a temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran has brought some relief, the broader regional situation remains volatile. Israel has intensified its military operations in Lebanon, while Iran has reportedly targeted oil facilities in Gulf states.
Iranian officials argue that Israel’s actions particularly against Hezbollah constitute violations of the ceasefire conditions. However, both Washington and Tel Aviv maintain that the truce does not extend to Lebanon.
“Iranians may have assumed the ceasefire included Lebanon, but that was never the case,” Vice President Vance said while speaking to reporters.With both sides holding firm to opposing positions especially on nuclear issues the prospects for a lasting agreement remain uncertain as diplomatic efforts prepare to resume.
