US President Donald Trump has pledged to maintain American military assets in the Middle East until a peace agreement with Iran is finalised, warning of a sharp escalation in conflict if Tehran fails to comply.
In a social media post, Trump said US ships, aircraft, and personnel supported by additional ammunition and weaponry would remain deployed and ready to act if necessary. He added that forces were prepared to confront what he described as a “substantially degraded enemy,” while expressing confidence that a lasting deal would ultimately be reached.
“If for any reason it is not, which is highly unlikely, then the ‘shootin’ starts, bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before,” Trump wrote, adding that Iran had agreed not to pursue nuclear weapons and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump also declared that the US military was “loading up and resting,” describing it as ready for its next “conquest,” while insisting that “America is back.”
The remarks come despite ongoing tensions following a five-week conflict in which both Washington and Tehran have claimed victory, but without resolving key disputes over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security arrangements.
Oil markets reacted sharply to the uncertainty, with prices rising amid concerns over supply disruptions and restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy exports.
Brent crude and US West Texas Intermediate both climbed by more than 2%, reversing earlier losses triggered by ceasefire optimism, as investors weighed the risk of renewed escalation.
The fragile diplomatic backdrop was further strained following Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon that killed more than 250 people on Wednesday, prompting renewed warnings from Iranian officials that negotiations could collapse.
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said talks had become “unreasonable” amid continued hostilities, accusing Israel and its allies of undermining efforts toward a lasting ceasefire.
Regional tensions have also affected financial markets, with Asian shares trading cautiously and US and European futures edging lower as investors assessed geopolitical risks.
In Lebanon, Hezbollah said it launched rockets toward northern Israel, citing alleged ceasefire violations and warning of further retaliation unless attacks cease.
Diplomatic divisions persist over the scope of any ceasefire, with the United States and Israel arguing that Lebanon is not included in the current framework, while Iran maintains that a broader regional halt in hostilities is essential for progress.
The instability has also raised concerns over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has asserted greater control over shipping lanes and suggested alternative routes amid fears of naval mines. Reports indicate shipping traffic has fallen sharply since the escalation began.
British officials have reiterated that freedom of navigation must be preserved, rejecting any attempt to impose tolls or restrictions on international waters.
As high-level talks prepare to resume in Pakistan, uncertainty continues to dominate diplomatic efforts, with competing demands and ongoing military activity casting doubt over the prospects for a durable settlement.