Trump: Iran is doing a 'very bad' job of allowing oil through the Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump criticized Iran for the insufficient volume of oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, amid ongoing demands for Tehran to fully open this waterway.

'Iran is doing a very bad job — some would say dishonest — in ensuring the passage of oil through the Strait of Hormuz. This is not the deal we have!' Trump stated in a post published on the official White House website.

Earlier, Trump also warned Iran against imposing tariffs for passage through Hormuz after Tehran indicated it was considering such a move.

Trump's comments followed reports that Iran would not allow more than 15 vessels per day to pass through Hormuz under a preliminary two-week ceasefire agreement with Washington.

The agreement was tested less than 48 hours after its conclusion when Iran closed Hormuz earlier on Thursday in response to devastating Israeli strikes on Lebanon.

Trump also stated that the US would maintain its military presence around Iran until a 'real agreement' is reached.

Ship traffic through Hormuz by Thursday evening remained at only a fraction of normal volumes, with Tehran warning vessels to stay within its territorial waters or face attacks. Only seven ships passed through the strait in the last 24 hours, compared to about 140 daily, according to a Reuters report.

Hormuz has become a key focal point in the US and Israel's war against Iran, given that this passage accounts for approximately 20% of global oil consumption. Iran has effectively blocked Hormuz since the start of the war, triggering a physical oil shortage and a sharp rise in global prices.

Source: Investing.com