President Donald Trump vowed on Wednesday evening to maintain a robust U.S. military presence near Iran, insisting that ships, aircraft, and troops would stay in position until Tehran fully complies with what he called a 'real agreement.'

In a post on Truth Social shortly before midnight Washington time, Trump wrote that 'all U.S. ships, aircraft and troops will remain in place in, and around, Iran, until the REAL AGREEMENT reached is fully complied with.' He warned that failure to comply would trigger attacks 'bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before,' emphasizing no nuclear weapons for Iran and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

The statement comes amid a fragile two-week ceasefire agreed upon earlier this week between the United States and Iran, following over a month of intense conflict that began with U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets in late February. The truce, mediated in part by Pakistan, includes a temporary halt to U.S. bombing campaigns, with negotiations set to begin Saturday in Islamabad. Vice President JD Vance will lead the U.S. delegation, joined by special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner, while Iranian officials arrive Thursday.

U.S. forces in the Middle East have surged significantly since the war's outset, exceeding 50,000 troops by late March with deployments including Marines and elements of the 82nd Airborne Division. No ground troops operate inside Iran, but naval and air assets dominate the Persian Gulf region, positioned to enforce compliance or respond to provocations.

Iran responded cautiously, with Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh stating on BBC that Tehran would allow safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, handling 20% of global oil, once the U.S. ends its 'aggression' and Israel halts strikes on Lebanon, which killed 182 people on Wednesday. Iran published a map designating a 'danger zone' in the strait, hinting at possible mines, and designated alternative shipping routes closer to its coast.

Trump dismissed Iranian rhetoric as 'fake' and noted U.S. forces are 'resting up and looking forward' to potential next steps. Oil prices have fluctuated with the uncertainty, rebounding after initial declines as markets await the talks.

The conflict escalated after Iranian attacks on U.S. bases and the closure of the Hormuz Strait, prompting U.S. strikes on military infrastructure, including Kharg Island oil facilities. Casualties include 13 U.S. troops killed and nearly 300 wounded earlier in the war. Pakistan has bolstered security in Islamabad, closing schools and offices ahead of the high-stakes discussions.

Trump also criticized NATO allies for lacking support, floating troop relocations from 'unhelpful' members. The U.S. position underscores a determination to secure lasting terms preventing Iranian nuclear advancement and ensuring free navigation in critical waterways.