U.S. President Donald Trump said he would keep U.S. military assets deployed in the Middle East even after a cease-fire deal with Iran. Trump warned that if the deal is not implemented, immediate military action could follow.
On the 9th (local time), Trump wrote on his social media, Truth Social, "All U.S. Navy ships, aircraft, troops, ammunition, and weapons systems necessary to lethally strike and destroy an already greatly weakened enemy will remain in and around Iran until a real agreement is reached and fully implemented."
He added that "the chances of that are very low," but stressed, "If for any reason the agreement is not implemented, firing will begin immediately in a bigger and stronger way than anyone has ever seen."
Regarding U.S. forces currently deployed in the Middle East, he said, "Our great military is regrouping and resting," adding that they are "in effect looking forward to the next conquest."
Trump also flatly rejected Iran's claims over the nuclear issue and maritime shipping lanes. He said, "A ban on nuclear weapons was agreed to long ago, and the Strait of Hormuz will remain open and safe," adding that Iran's claims are not factual.
Analysts said the warning came ahead of negotiations with Iran set to be held in Pakistan this weekend, framing it as a hard-line message to seize the initiative at the negotiating table.