New Delhi (India) April 9:President Donald Trump issued more threats against Tehran on Thursday, implying that the truce might only be a temporary one and could be changed, despite the two week ceasefire between Iran and the United States. His words came at a time when Iran had agreed to a two-week ceasefire after a rapidly escalating conflict in the Middle East.
US Forces Stay Ready Near Iran
The United States will keep its military presence there, among other things, to make sure all sides stick to the terms of the truce that, among other things, is aimed at halting the conflict involving Iran. Trump cautioned that if the other party goes back on the deal, the US military would escalate operations.
Trump said, "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 of an already substantially degraded enemy, will remain in place in, and around, Iran , until such time as the REAL AGREEMENT reached is fully complied with.”
He added, "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.”
Trump Insists on No Nuclear Weapons
In his statement, Trump mentioned the US position in regards to the Iran nuclear program and being able to keep the Strait of Hormuz open which globally is a very important oil route.
"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 said.
Despite the US stating it would work with Tehran to resolve issues with enriched uranium, a key concern related to Iran's ability to produce nuclear weapons, the situation of Iran's nuclear program remains uncertain.
Trump Slams Media's Fake Iran Plan
Trump went as far as accusing the media for spreading the "wrong"10 points that Iran had released.
"The Failing New York Times and Fake News CNN each reported a totally FAKE TEN POINT PLAN on the Iran negotiations which was meant to discredit the people involved in the peace process. All ten points were a made up HOAX - EVIL LOSERS!!! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN," he added.
Iran Closes Hormuz Strait After Strikes
While the US-Iran truce was implemented, Israel did not stop its air raids on locations associated with the Iran-supported Hezbollah group in Lebanon . The Israeli defense forces stated that their operations were intended to dismantle Hezbollah's military facilities and to drive their combatants away from the border. Government representatives from Israel have also indicated that Israel is ready to execute more bombing operations in Lebanon even if a ceasefire agreement is reached with Iran. Following the Israeli bombardment of Hezbollah, Iran had to close the Strait of Hormuz once more.