On Thursday, President Donald Trump made a bold declaration on Truth Social, stating that all American military forces stationed in the region will remain until a "genuine agreement" with Iran is fully executed and honored.
Trump's message was unequivocal: "Every U.S. ship, aircraft, and military personnel, alongside additional ammunition, weaponry, and all essential resources for the lethal pursuit and dismantling of an already significantly weakened adversary, will stay put in Iran and surrounding areas until the genuine agreement reached is completely fulfilled."
The president issued a stern warning about the repercussions of non-compliance: "Should there be any failure to comply, which is highly unlikely, then the shooting will commence, bigger, better, and stronger than anyone has ever witnessed."
He also highlighted two non-negotiable terms that he claimed were agreed upon "long ago": a zero nuclear weapon policy for Iran and the safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
"Meanwhile, our magnificent military is gearing up and resting, eagerly anticipating its next conquest. America is back!" Trump concluded.
This new warning follows Trump's announcement of a two-week bilateral ceasefire, contingent upon Tehran agreeing to open the Strait of Hormuz.
The Secretary of Defense mentioned that Iran pleaded for the ceasefire, and the White House spokesperson hailed the agreement as a triumph for Trump.
High-level discussions between the U.S. and Iran are progressing, with formal negotiations set for this Friday in Islamabad.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz caused Brent crude prices to surge from $67 to over $126.
The Operation Epic Fury—jointly launched by the U.S. and Israel on February 28—obliterated Iran's nuclear program, destroyed 90% of the regime's missiles and 95% of its drones, and resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on March 1.
Key Developments in U.S. and Iran Relations
What conditions did Trump set for the U.S. military's stay in Iran?
Trump specified that U.S. forces would remain until a genuine agreement with Iran is fully honored, including zero nuclear weapons for Iran and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
What was the impact of the Strait of Hormuz closure?
The closure led to a significant increase in Brent crude prices, soaring from $67 to over $126.
What was Operation Epic Fury?
Operation Epic Fury, conducted by the U.S. and Israel, dismantled Iran's nuclear program, destroyed a large portion of its missiles and drones, and resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.