Donald Trump attacks Iran ceasefire critics as stocks surge and oil prices tumble

Donald Trump has lashed out at critics of his Iran peace deal, as he points to record stock market highs and tumbling oil prices as proof the agreement is working.

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Madeline Cove
The Nightly
Despite the opulent venue of France's Palace of Versailles, Donald Trump's signing of the Iran peace deal appeared rushed and a little strange.

Donald Trump has hailed the emerging US-Iran peace deal as a victory for global markets, celebrating falling oil prices and rising share markets as American forces formally lifted their blockade of Iranian ports.

In a post on Truth Social on Friday, the US President declared the United States remained committed to peace and urged countries across the Middle East to support the agreement.

“The United States is committed to PEACE, and we encourage everyone in the Middle East Region to maintain their commitment to allowing our negotiations to beautifully unfold,” Mr Trump wrote.

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“The Markets are loving what is happening with Oil Prices way down, and Stocks way up.”

“We expect a complete Ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon, Hezbollah, and Israel.”

Mr Trump also used the announcement to hit back at critics who accused him of being too soft on Iran, arguing the market reaction vindicated his approach.

In a separate Truth Social post, he wrote, “These fools, who think I haven’t been tough enough on Iran, when the Stock Market Just Hit A RECORD HIGH, and Oil prices are ‘tumbling’ down, are either jealous, bad people, or stupid.” He ended the post with his trademark slogan: “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!”

The comments came as US Central Command confirmed American forced had ended all blockade enforcement operation around Iran, marking one of the most significant steps yet towards implementing the newly signed ceasefire agreements.

“Today, US forces lifted the blockade on all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, in accordance with the President’s direction,” CENTCOM said in a statement.

“All US military blockade enforcement efforts have ceased.”

American naval vessels will remain in the region to monitor compliance with the agreement, but the US said it was no longer restricting vessels travelling to or from Iranian ports.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also welcomed the deal, describing it as a diplomatic victory for Iran while insisting Iran’s sovereignty had been preserved.

“This is a historical document and a message from a powerful Iran,” Mr Pezeshkian said.

“Peace will be realized in the shadow of mutual respect.”

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has always been committed and steadfast to global peace while preserving its dignity and independence.”

The exchange of statements highlights how both US and Iran are seeking to portray the agreement as a win, even as negotiations continue over a permanent settlement.

The ceasefire framework is expected to reopen key shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, easing concerns about global energy supplies and helping drive oil prices lower after months of conflict and disruption.

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