Former President Donald Trump has asserted that Iran is not imposing tolls on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, contradicting previous statements from Tehran. The Strait, a strategic maritime corridor through which a significant portion of the world’s oil shipments pass, has been at the center of heightened regional tensions.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump claimed that Iran communicated to the United States that no charges—such as tolls or insurance fees—are being sought or collected from vessels passing through the waterway. He warned that if this information proved to be false, any ongoing negotiations would be terminated immediately.
This declaration comes amid conflicting reports, as Iranian officials have repeatedly indicated plans to impose fees on ships navigating the Strait. The issue is part of a broader and complex negotiation process between Washington and Tehran aimed at restoring diplomatic relations and lifting sanctions.
Meanwhile, Iran continues to block United Nations inspectors from accessing its nuclear facilities, a key sticking point in the talks. Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, dismissed claims by Rafael Grossi, head of the UN nuclear watchdog, that inspections were imminent. Gharibabadi stated that no meetings had taken place with Grossi in Switzerland despite requests and emphasized that access to sensitive sites would only be granted as part of a final peace agreement and following the lifting of all sanctions.
“These issues will only be examined and resolved within the framework of the final agreement and in response to the other party’s concrete actions ending all sanctions,” Gharibabadi said, critiquing what he called attempts to escalate tensions through media reports.
The progress of negotiations remains fragile, with access to nuclear sites identified as a critical factor. Failure to reach consensus on this matter may jeopardize the entire diplomatic process.
On the diplomatic front, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, involved in regional discussions as part of a tour of Gulf allies including Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, emphasized that Washington would not compromise the security of its longstanding partners during the negotiations. Addressing reporters in Kuwait, Rubio described the talks as “frank, honest, and important,” asserting strong alignment between the U.S. and Gulf states.
He highlighted ongoing consultations with regional governments to ensure they have input into decisions related to the negotiations with Iran, underscoring continued U.S. commitment to allied security in the Gulf.