By Ginika Igboke 

U.S. President Donald Trump said on April 8 that American warships, aircraft, and personnel will remain positioned around Iran until a peace agreement is fully implemented, warning that military action could resume if Tehran fails to comply.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that all U.S. military assets “will remain in place in, and around, Iran” until the terms of a final agreement are honored. He cautioned that any violation could trigger a powerful response, adding that renewed action would be “bigger, better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before.”

The remarks followed Trump’s April 7 announcement of a two-week cease-fire, under which the United States agreed to pause attacks on Iran on the condition that Tehran ensures the complete and immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Cease-Fire Faces Risk of Collapse

The Soufan Center warned on April 9 that the cease-fire is “on the verge of collapse,” pointing to Israel’s large-scale military strikes in Lebanon as a major source of tension.

According to the think tank, even if Lebanon was not formally included in the agreement, the scale of Israeli operations could be seen as escalatory and undermine diplomatic progress.

Disagreement persists over whether Lebanon falls within the scope of the cease-fire. U.S. and Israeli officials maintain that operations against Hezbollah are excluded, while Iran and mediator Pakistan argue that the deal applies to Lebanon as well.

High-Stakes Talks Set for Islamabad

Pakistan is set to host crucial negotiations between U.S. and Iranian officials in Islamabad on April 11, where both sides will attempt to reach a broader and more permanent agreement.

Vice President JD Vance will lead the American delegation, while Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is expected to represent Iran.

‘We’re Not Going Anywhere’

Trump’s stance was reinforced by Pentagon officials, who confirmed on April 8 that U.S. forces will remain in the region to ensure Iran adheres to the cease-fire.

U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters that while military objectives in Iran had been achieved, American forces would continue their presence.

“We’re not going anywhere,” Hegseth said. “We’re going to make sure Iran complies with this cease-fire and ultimately comes to the table to make a deal.”

Also speaking at the briefing, Dan Caine emphasized that the cease-fire represents only a temporary pause.

“A cease-fire is a pause, and the joint force remains ready—if ordered—to resume combat operations with the same speed and precision demonstrated over the past 38 days,” he said.

Dispute Over Lebanon’s Inclusion

A central point of contention remains whether Lebanon is covered under the cease-fire terms.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on April 8 that the agreement “does not include Lebanon.” Trump echoed this position, describing the situation there as a “separate skirmish” linked to Hezbollah.

“They were not included in the deal,” Trump said.

The conflict involving Hezbollah began shortly after the broader war erupted, with the group launching rockets into Israel following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in a February airstrike.

However, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif—whose government helped broker the cease-fire—said the agreement applies “everywhere including Lebanon.”

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri also affirmed that Lebanon was included.

Ghalibaf echoed that position, stating that the agreement called for “an immediate cease-fire everywhere, including Lebanon and other regions.”

Despite these claims, Vance reiterated during a visit to Budapest that the United States never agreed to include Lebanon.

“I think this comes from a legitimate misunderstanding,” Vance said. “The Iranians believed the cease-fire covered Lebanon, but it did not. We never made that commitment.”