Trump Rebukes Iran Over Oil Flow Delays as Fragile Ceasefire Teeters

Tensions between Washington and Tehran intensified today as President Donald Trump publicly rebuked the Iranian government for a "very poor job" in restoring oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Reaffirming the terms of the April 7 ceasefire, Trump warned of renewed U.S. strikes if Iran fails to comply with demands regarding nuclear restrictions and maritime access. The President also suggested he is considering U.S. troop withdrawals from Europe, citing NATO allies' failure to assist in securing the critical waterway. In Tehran, officials responded with threats of "strong" retaliation, with state-affiliated media floating the possibility of mining the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic deterrent. The ceasefire, currently in its second week, is under severe pressure due to continued Israeli military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. While Iran views these strikes as a violation of the truce, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected that interpretation, vowing to persist with "force and determination" against Hezbollah targets. On the ground in Iran, the humanitarian situation remains grim following 40 days of intensive strikes that began in late February. Residents described a landscape of destruction and voiced deep bitterness over the conflict, even as the regime intensified domestic crackdowns. Authorities reportedly executed six individuals for alleged ties to the People's Mojahedin opposition group, signaling a hardening stance against internal dissent while diplomatic back-channels prepare for high-level talks in Pakistan this weekend.