A new warning from President Donald Trump added fresh strain to an already fragile ceasefire in the Middle East. In a social media post on Thursday, he said U.S. military forces would remain in the region while negotiations with Iran continue and warned that fighting could expand sharply if the peace process collapses.
The statement came as diplomacy faced new setbacks. Officials tied to the talks said major disagreements still remain, especially over Iran’s nuclear program and the terms of a lasting settlement. At the same time, Israeli strikes in Lebanon raised new doubts about how broad the ceasefire really is and whether regional fighting can be contained.
Markets reacted quickly. Oil prices moved higher as traders focused on the risk of further disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for global energy supplies. Shipping access through the waterway also remained a major point of tension, with Western leaders pushing back against any attempt to impose tolls or tighter control over passage.
