Can the US-Iraq ceasefire be maintained? Trump warns of ‘bigger, better shots’ over Strait of Hormuz and nuclear weapons

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a new warning to Iran on Thursday, saying U.S. troops would remain deployed and ready despite an ongoing ceasefire and threatening a stronger military response if the deal was not upheld.In an article published in Truth Social, Trump said that U.S. military assets would remain in “Iran and its surrounding areas” until the “real deal” is fully implemented. He added that any breach would trigger an escalation, warning: “If for any reason that’s not the case… then the ‘shooting’ will begin, bigger, better and stronger than anyone has ever seen before.”

The comments came amid a fragile two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran that came more than a month into the Mideast war, amid tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route. Trump reiterated key U.S. demands, saying: “Without nuclear weapons, the Strait of Hormuz will be open and safe.” He said that despite diplomatic efforts to stabilize the situation, “our great troops are reloading and resting,” indicating that military preparations are continuing.While both sides have pledged to halt immediate escalation, uncertainty remains over the durability of the ceasefire and disagreements remain over the terms of a longer-term deal.