Trump Threatens to Resume Bombing as Iran Peace Deal Nears Signing
US President Donald Trump defended his interim agreement with Iran on Wednesday, asserting that it has averted a potential global economic disaster. He cautioned, however, that he could initiate new military actions if Tehran fails to meet its obligations.
Speaking at the conclusion of the G7 summit in France, Trump noted a significant increase in maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz since the announcement of the truce three days prior. He expressed optimism that this development could signal the beginning of broader peace efforts across the Middle East.
Context of the Conflict
The conflict, which escalated following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, has evolved into a wider regional crisis. This escalation has led to rising energy prices, renewed inflationary pressures, and concerns about a looming food supply crisis in developing nations. Trump emphasized the importance of preventing economic catastrophe, stating, “If you kept this going, that could have happened.”
He acknowledged the roles of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, thanking them for their neutrality during the conflict, which he believes has not hindered his efforts to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Market Reactions
Oil prices experienced a decline on Wednesday, driven by expectations for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude futures fell below $80, marking their lowest levels since the onset of the US-Iran conflict. However, prices later rebounded by more than 1% after Trump indicated that he might resume military action if he was dissatisfied with Iran’s compliance.
G7 Leaders Support Iran Agreement
The memorandum reached at the G7 summit includes several key provisions: an immediate cessation of hostilities across all fronts, the full resumption of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports, the waiving of international sanctions against Iran, and a $300 billion plan for Iran’s economic rehabilitation. Iran has also committed to not pursuing nuclear weapons, reaffirming a long-standing pledge.
Despite Trump’s assertive rhetoric, he has not achieved many of his initial objectives in the conflict. Iran’s government remains intact, its stockpile of highly enriched uranium is still in place, and its ballistic missile capabilities have not been dismantled. Furthermore, Iran continues to support Hezbollah in Lebanon.
G7 leaders welcomed the agreement during their summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, located about an hour’s drive from where the ceasefire memorandum is set to be signed across the Swiss border on Friday. While they share concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, they have not endorsed Trump’s decision to engage in military action and are wary that Tehran has gained leverage by resisting US pressure.
In a joint statement, the leaders of France, Germany, Britain, Japan, Italy, Canada, and the US emphasized the need for negotiations to address the threats posed by Iran and to ensure it never acquires nuclear weapons. They also called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, where the memorandum seeks to halt hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which have displaced over a million people.
Ongoing Tensions in Lebanon
Although fighting in Lebanon has diminished since the agreement was reached, it has not completely ceased. Israel, which was not part of the negotiations, maintains its right to use military force. Reports indicate that Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire continued in several southern Lebanese towns on Wednesday. In response, Hezbollah reportedly launched two drone attacks against Israeli forces, although the group did not publicly claim responsibility for these actions. Israel later confirmed that five of its soldiers were injured in the drone attacks.
Trump Critiques Netanyahu’s Approach
On Wednesday, Trump offered a mild rebuke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding his military tactics in Lebanon against Hezbollah. The two leaders have had ongoing disagreements over Israel’s aggressive approach in the region. Trump remarked, “Netanyahu happens to be a good man, gets a little excited sometimes,” suggesting a softer approach might be more effective. He added, “You don’t have to knock down a building every time somebody walks into it that’s from Hezbollah.”
As tensions continue to simmer, the situation remains fluid, with both military and diplomatic developments unfolding rapidly.
Source: www.arnnewscentre.ae
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Published on 2026-06-17 16:07:00 • By the Editorial Desk
