U.S. military stays near Iran as Trump cites 'real agreement'

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that American forces will continue operating in and around Iran, keeping a military posture in place until Tehran meets what he described as the “real agreement.” He also warned that the United States would respond with major military force if Iran does not comply.

The announcement came after a two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran that officials said was brokered by Pakistan. That pause temporarily stopped six weeks of conflict, but the latest comments underscored that the underlying dispute remains unresolved.

Trump said the central elements of the agreement are Iran’s commitment not to develop nuclear weapons and the requirement that the Strait of Hormuz stay open and safe for commercial shipping. He also rejected reports of a 10-point plan attributed to Iran, calling it “totally fake.”

The ceasefire had briefly lifted sentiment in global markets, as investors anticipated steadier energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is a key route for commercial shipping, and any perceived improvement in security conditions can quickly influence risk pricing across energy, equities, and currencies.

Despite the pause in fighting, the U.S. and Iran still differ sharply on what would be required for a durable settlement. Iran’s reported proposals included ending Israeli strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon and lifting all sanctions, points that remain part of the broader set of disagreements described around the ceasefire.

At the same time, Israel supported the U.S. decision to suspend strikes against Iran, according to the account provided. However, Israel carried out wide-ranging operations in Lebanon, and at least 182 people were reported killed on Wednesday.

For markets and policymakers, the immediate focus remains on whether the ceasefire can hold and whether the parties can narrow gaps over the terms of any longer-term arrangement. The situation also leaves uncertainty around shipping security in the Strait of Hormuz and the conditions attached to sanctions, both of which are closely watched by energy traders, insurers, and governments reliant on stable maritime trade routes.