Iran's President Pezeshkian has issued a strong statement asserting that Iran will respond to Trump's rhetoric with action and will defend every inch of Iranian territory, according to a report by Fars News.

Iran's Presidential Statement

The declaration by President Pezeshkian underscores Iran's position in the context of ongoing geopolitical exchanges. The statement, as cited by Fars News, reflects a direct response to rhetoric attributed to Trump, with the Iranian president emphasizing a commitment to both action and territorial integrity.

The report from Fars News highlights the firm tone adopted by Iranian leadership, signaling a readiness to move beyond verbal exchanges toward concrete measures in defense of national interests.

Brett Erickson, a risk analyst and Geopolitics expert at Obsidian Risk Advisors, has dismissed President Donald Trump's plan to impose a 20% fee on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Erickson stated on social media platform X that there is "absolutely zero chance whatsoever" of the fee being implemented, describing the proposal as a statement from a man who is "increasingly desperate" and "wildly stressed." Trump had previously announced the plan on Truth Social, declaring the U.S. as the "Guardian of the Hormuz Strait."

Dispute Over Control and Compensation

Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, responded to the fee proposal, acknowledging that whoever secures the strait should be compensated. However, he asserted that Iran is the rightful guardian of the waterway and dismissed the specific 20% rate as "too much." Trump maintained that the U.S. would act as the guardian and that the process to implement the fee would begin immediately. The diplomatic dispute occurs alongside the reinstatement of a U.S. blockade on Iranian ports and ongoing financial sanctions targeting Tehran's nuclear capabilities.

Omani Route and Safety Concerns

Erickson also criticized the Omani route through the waterway, which has been touted by the U.S. as an alternative. He stated that the U.S. "cannot protect vessels navigating the Omani Route," pointing to recent incidents where two vessels were struck in the area. The analyst argued that it is irresponsible to coerce vessels to utilize this route when it has been proven unsafe, adding that the situation puts the lives of civilians and soldiers at risk.

Military and Legal Actions

The U.S. Central Command confirmed that the blockade on Iranian ports would resume on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. Trump emphasized that the strait "is OPEN, and will remain OPEN, with or without Iran." In a letter to Congress on July 10, Trump stated that the war with Iran had officially resumed on July 7, triggering a fresh 60-day period under the War Powers Act. The International Maritime Organization has stated there is "no legal basis" for imposing mandatory transit tolls on an international strait, a view supported by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments, making the security dispute and potential fee structures a matter of significant concern for energy markets.