A member of Iran's negotiating team in Islamabad fired back at President Trump's warning against toll collection in the Strait of Hormuz, stating that payment will nonetheless be exacted. The response underscores the deepening rift between the sides as indirect talks continue. The quote was reported by i24NEWS.
A member of Iran's negotiating team, currently in Islamabad for indirect talks, responded forcefully overnight Sunday to President Trump's recent warning against imposing tolls on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The official stated: 'There will be payment in Hormuz, and that is final' — according to a report by i24NEWS.
The statement sharpens the existing confrontation between Washington and Tehran over the strait's status. Over the past two weeks, The Zioneer has reported a cascade of conflicting signals: Iranian officials have insisted that a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. is final and guarantees Tehran control of the strait via a commission, along with immediate cash payments. President Trump, in a message posted Saturday evening (Jerusalem time), said there would be 'no tolls for passage through the Strait of Hormuz' and warned Iran in his 'own special way.' The latest response from the Iranian team in Islamabad suggests no softening in the Iranian position.
The exchange is the latest in a series of escalating statements over the past week between IRGC commanders, the Iranian Foreign Ministry, and Trump's public remarks, with no sign of narrowing differences as the indirect talks continue. A separate item: an Iranian delegation is also present in Islamabad for diplomatic consultations.
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