WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that US military forces stationed near Iran would remain deployed until a “real agreement” is finalized, amid a fragile two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.
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Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump emphasized that all US ships, aircraft, personnel, and military resources would stay in place with sufficient ammunition and weaponry to respond if necessary. He warned that if the truce fails, the US could resort to “bigger, and better, and stronger” strikes.
The president underscored that while a breakdown of negotiations is “highly unlikely,” the US military is prepared and “loading up and resting,” ready for future operations. Trump stated that the upcoming talks aim to ensure that Iran will have “no nuclear weapons” and that the Strait of Hormuz remains “open and safe,” a critical route through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil passes in peacetime.
BREAKING: Trump says US military assets will remain in place until a ‘real agreement’ is reached and complied with pic.twitter.com/PUBjyicoM2
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) April 9, 2026
The announcement comes as the ceasefire, brokered on Tuesday, shows signs of strain. Israel has continued airstrikes in Lebanon, and Washington has rejected some of Iran’s demands circulated in a Farsi-language release, including recognition of its uranium enrichment programme. Trump insisted that such matters would be “taken care of” during negotiations.
The truce is set to be followed by diplomatic talks in Pakistan, aiming to formalize agreements on the conflict and prevent further escalation. Iran has agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for international shipping while maintaining its sovereign control over the waters.
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Analysts say Trump’s statement underscores the United States’ commitment to maintaining strategic leverage in the region, even as diplomatic channels remain open. Observers also warn that tensions could flare if the ceasefire is not fully respected, highlighting the fragile nature of current negotiations.