President Donald Trump has declared it "unacceptable" to impose fees on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has flatly denied that any funds are restricted solely to purchasing grain from American farmers — marking a sharp public contradiction between the two sides on a key financial aspect of ongoing negotiations. Trump stated via social media that Iran had informed the United States it was not seeking or receiving tolls, insurance costs, or any other charges from ships passing through the strait, warning that if this information proved false, negotiations would end immediately. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most strategically vital maritime passages for global energy shipments, and any restrictions or levies are closely monitored by international shipping and financial markets.

Stance on Strait of Hormuz

Earlier reports from Iran's Fars News Agency had indicated that daily limits were being placed on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, determined by prevailing conditions, though those reports lacked specific details on the nature of those conditions or the number of vessels affected. Trump's statement goes further, characterizing the imposition of any such fees as outright "unacceptable," directly negating the implication of financial burdens or levies associated with transit through the waterway.

Iran's Counter-Position on Fund Restrictions

In a direct rebuttal to Trump's characterization of the financial arrangements, Iran's Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf flatly denied that funds are restricted solely to purchasing grain from American farmers. This counter-statement represents a significant divergence from Trump's earlier remarks, in which he had indicated that any funds under U.S. control would be directed toward purchasing agricultural commodities — specifically corn, wheat, and soybeans — from American farmers and ranchers for Iran, which he described as desperately needing food supplies.

Agricultural Trade and Financial Remarks

On the financial front, Trump reiterated his call for lower interest rates, maintaining his longstanding position on monetary policy. Separately, he indicated that he had made progress in discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, though no further details on the substance of those talks were provided. Ghalibaf's denial adds a new layer of complexity to the negotiations, as the two sides now publicly disagree not only on the question of Hormuz transit fees but also on the fundamental terms governing the use of any funds involved in the broader bilateral discussions.

Key Developments at a Glance

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has articulated Tehran's position on international negotiations and security posture in a statement posted on X, signalling a conditional but firm approach to diplomacy and defence. The statement addresses both the tone of international discourse and the specific question of Iran's obligations under a potential accord with the United States.

Rationality and Human Dignity as Guiding Principles

Pezeshkian stated that Iran's response to what he described as "unreasonable boasting and unfounded threats" is grounded in two core principles. The first is reliance on rationality and human dignity in decision-making. The second is a commitment to decisive and fearless defence when taking action. The statement frames these not as reactive postures but as deliberate, principled orientations guiding Iranian conduct.

Conditional Commitment to Accord Obligations

In a significant diplomatic signal, Pezeshkian addressed the question of Iran's obligations directly, stating that if the American side honours the accord, Iran will likewise fulfil its obligations. The key parameters of this position are outlined below:

Key Takeaways

• Pezeshkian characterised certain international rhetoric as "unreasonable boasting and unfounded threats"
• Iran's stated approach combines principled diplomacy with a firm defensive stance
• The reciprocal framing — fulfilment of obligations contingent on US compliance — reflects a conditional engagement posture
• The statement was delivered via X, indicating a direct public communication channel

The statement represents a public articulation of Tehran's negotiating posture, linking Iran's willingness to honour commitments explicitly to the conduct of the American side, while underscoring that any perceived threats will be met with resolute action.