Trump defends Iran policy, cites oil price drop after agreement

WASHINGTON, United States — U.S. President Donald Trump pushed back against critics who say he has not been tough enough on Iran, pointing to falling oil prices following a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said stock markets are at historic highs and oil prices have declined, arguing that those who believe he has not acted firmly on Iran are either jealous or acting in bad faith. Speaking on Tuesday, Trump said the United States could have continued bombing Iran for another two years, but that doing so would not have reopened the Strait of Hormuz. He argued the waterway would not have been cleared without the agreement reached with Iran. The memorandum, signed by Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in English and Farsi copies, aims to permanently end hostilities between the two countries and establish a new roadmap. It covers halting the conflict, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting sanctions on Iranian oil. Following the signing, oil prices retreated. The document, referred to as the "Islamabad Memorandum," sets out the terms agreed between the United States and Iran. No further details on implementation were immediately available.