Wednesday, 17 June

Trump warns U.S.-Iran framework agreement is not final, threatens to resume bombing

World News
US President Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that the recently announced U.S.-Iran framework agreement is not a final deal, warning that the U.S. military will resume bombing operations if Iran does not comply with the terms.

Speaking to reporters at the G7 meeting in France, the president emphasised that the current memorandum of understanding does not include immediate sanctions relief for Iran. 

"If I don't like it, if they don't behave, we'll go right back to dropping bombs right smack in the middle of their head," Trump said.

The remarks follow Sunday's announcement by U.S. and Pakistani mediators that a preliminary agreement had been reached to extend a ceasefire, launch a 60-day window for long-term nuclear negotiations, and reopen the blockaded Strait of Hormuz.

Vice President JD Vance stated on Wednesday that the full text of the agreement will be released by Friday at the latest, noting that White House officials are pushing Qatari and Pakistani mediators to permit an earlier release to inform the American public. A formal signing ceremony is currently scheduled for Friday in Switzerland.

The agreement faces immediate regional complications. Israel has continued limited military strikes in Lebanon, and Israeli officials stated they are not bound by the U.S.-Iran accord. 

In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned Tuesday that the continued presence of Israeli troops or ongoing strikes in southern Lebanon would constitute a direct violation of the agreement.

Meanwhile, commercial shipping confusion persists around the Strait of Hormuz. 

While some Iranian tankers have reportedly begun crossing the perimeter, shipping firms report they are awaiting formal security guarantees before resuming normal operations, as the U.S. naval blockade is officially set to lift following Friday's formal signing.

Source: classfmonline.com