Iran grants Strait of Hormuz fee exemptions to Russia, other states
Iran has granted Russia and several other countries exemptions from transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz, while continuing coordination with Moscow on the resumption of work at the Bushehr nuclear power plant, Iran’s ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, stated.
Jalali said Tehran remains in contact with Moscow regarding the continuation of construction at the Bushehr facility, expressing hope that work will resume in the near future.
He also confirmed that Iran has introduced exemptions for Russia and a number of other countries concerning customs duties on passage through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
The ambassador previously described the use of veto power by Russia and China at the United Nations Security Council as a “historic decision” aimed at countering US influence.
The veto blocked a draft resolution submitted by Bahrain that sought authorization for the use of what was described as “defensive force” to protect navigation in the Strait of Hormuz from alleged Iranian attacks.
Jalali added that Iran remains open to reaching a sustainable solution to end the ongoing war, but said the opposing side does not appear ready to engage seriously in negotiations.
He stated that Tehran does not see sufficient political will from the United States to reach an agreement.
Trump obstructing negotiations with Iran by blockading Hormuz Strait
This follows recent developments regarding the Strait, including statements made yesterday that further intensified tensions over maritime access and ongoing negotiations.
Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in Islamabad stated yesterday that Trump is hindering negotiations with Iran by maintaining the naval blockade around the Strait of Hormuz, following a shift in the objectives of the war he is pursuing.
According to our correspondent, the situation has effectively reverted to the pre-April 8 ceasefire phase, underscoring a renewed escalation in US positions.
He added that, from the standpoint of Pakistani mediation, Iranian-US negotiations would remain ongoing “as long as both sides demonstrate a willingness to negotiate.”
For Iran, lifting the US naval blockade imposed on Iranian ports is the key to any negotiations with Iran, he said, as Pakistan's efforts continue to facilitate the second round of talks between Tehran and Washington.
Trump threatens to target Iranian vessels
Yesterday, Trump announced that he has instructed the US Navy to directly target any vessels suspected of laying naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, signaling a sharp escalation in maritime tensions.
In a statement posted on Truth Social on Thursday, Trump said: “I have ordered the United States Navy to shoot and kill any boat, small boats though they may be… that is putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz.”
He added that there should be “no hesitation” in carrying out the directive, noting that US mine-clearing operations are already underway in the strategic waterway and would be intensified. “Our mine ‘sweepers’ are clearing the Strait right now… at a tripled up level,” he said.