U.S. President Donald Trump accused Iran of a “total violation” of a ceasefire agreement, on Sunday, April 19, alleging Iranian forces fired on ships near the Strait of Hormuz and warning of severe retaliation if Tehran does not comply with U.S. demands, Reuters reported.
Trump said shipping remained stalled in the strategic waterway two days after both sides had indicated it would reopen. He added that U.S. envoys were expected to arrive in Pakistan on Monday evening for further talks aimed at de-escalation.
In a social media post, Trump said Washington had put forward what he described as a “very fair and reasonable deal,” but warned of sweeping military action if Iran refused. “The United States is going to knock out every single power plant and every single bridge in Iran,” he wrote, adding: “NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!”
Markets had initially reacted positively when Iran signaled on Friday that it would reopen the strait, with global oil prices falling and equities rising. The waterway had been largely closed to international shipping since the conflict began on February 28, following military actions involving the United States and Israel.
However, tensions escalated again after Trump said the U.S. would maintain a blockade of Iranian shipping. Tehran responded on Saturday by keeping the strait closed. At least two vessels reported being fired upon as they approached the area.
“Iran decided to fire bullets yesterday in the Strait of Hormuz — a total violation of our ceasefire agreement,” Trump said in a Sunday morning post. “That wasn’t nice, was it?”
Source: Reuters
