US President Donald Trump has stated that there is no agreement with Iran regarding the regulation of vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Responding on the social media platform Truth, Trump criticized Iran’s behavior, describing it as “not good.” Iran had announced that its military would control and require permits for ships transporting fuel through the Strait of Hormuz. However, Trump asserted, “We do not have such an agreement.”
Earlier reports indicated that Iran had been collecting fees from vessels passing through the Hormuz Strait. Trump condemned Iran’s fee collection as inappropriate. “It would be better if they do not do this. If they are doing it, they must stop immediately,” Trump stated. The UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper also emphasized that no fees should be imposed on international waterways.
Cooper said, “No one can unilaterally restrict maritime freedom or sell control to a single owner. Charging fees for international waterways is absolutely unacceptable.” Despite a ceasefire declaration between the US and Iran, disputes between the two sides continue concerning agreements.
Meanwhile, preparations for talks between Israel and Lebanon are underway. According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, 303 people died in an Israeli attack the previous day. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed his cabinet to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible. He stated that the talks will focus on the disarmament of Hezbollah and the establishment of peaceful relations between Israel and Lebanon.
