President Trump warned that U.S.-Iran peace talks would end immediately if Tehran imposes fees on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, as negotiations over sanctions and nuclear inspections continue.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump warned Wednesday that the United States would immediately abandon ongoing peace negotiations with Iran if Tehran imposes tolls or additional charges on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes.
“Iran has informed the United States that, despite malicious reports from fake news outlets claiming otherwise, no tolls, insurance fees or other charges are being imposed on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“If that information proves false, the negotiations will end immediately,” he added.
Trump also rejected reports suggesting that Washington has transferred funds to Iran or released Iranian assets.
“The United States has not given Iran any money and has not released any funds belonging to them,” the president said.
Instead, Trump indicated that some Iranian funds currently under U.S. control could be directed toward purchasing American agricultural products.
“Iran urgently needs food, and we will buy corn, wheat, soybeans and other products exclusively from American farmers and ranchers,” he said.
The comments come less than a week after Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and creating a framework for broader negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.
The strategic waterway carries roughly one-fifth of global oil and natural gas shipments, making its stability a key concern for international energy markets.
On Tuesday, Trump said Iran had agreed to allow inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) access to the country and expressed confidence that inspections would proceed.
However, Iranian officials pushed back Wednesday, saying inspections would only be discussed as part of a final agreement and after concrete steps are taken to lift sanctions.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that issues related to inspections and the country’s nuclear program would remain tied to broader negotiations and the complete removal of sanctions.
The exchange highlights ongoing differences between the two sides despite recent diplomatic progress and underscores the challenges facing efforts to reach a comprehensive agreement.
