Trump says Iran 'not paying military,' cites 'humanitarian crisis'

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Iran is failing to pay large segments of its military while conducting lethal crackdowns on protesters, describing the situation as a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions.

Truth Social post

Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated: "The failing Islamic Republic of Iran is not paying large segments of their military, while at the same time killing protesters, even when they are not protesting, at levels not seen before. It is a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions, and must be stopped, NOW," he said, accusing Tehran of targeting civilians even outside active demonstrations.

Diplomatic breakdown

The remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran following the collapse of a June framework agreement that had aimed to halt hostilities and restore navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Washington and Tehran signed the accord calling for an end to fighting and the reopening of the strategic waterway, but the deal later unraveled amid disputes over implementation terms and the future of maritime passage, according to diplomatic sources.

Conflict origins

The conflict initially erupted in late February when US and Israeli forces launched coordinated attacks against Iranian targets, prompting retaliatory strikes by Tehran against Israel and American military installations across the region.