[US-Israel, Iran War Day #42] Trump Urges Iran to Stop Charging Tankers Passing Hormuz

In Brief…

• President Donald Trump said on Friday that US warships are being reloaded with “the best ammunition” to continue airstrikes on Iran in case peace talks in Islamabad fail.
• Talks between Tehran and Washington are set to take place in Islamabad on Saturday, according to reports, though no confirmation has emerged of either delegation departing for Pakistan.
• US President Donald Trump said on Thursday there are reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, warning that such measures “better not be” happening and must stop immediately.
• A long message attributed to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to “not let go” of attackers, seek compensation and “avenge” the dead, warned it would take Hormuz Strait “to a new phase,” and urged Arab neighbors to “stand in the right place” and turn away from Western powers.
• Iran’s leaders are “agreeing to all the things that they have to agree to. Remember, they’ve been conquered. They have no military. If they don’t make a deal, it’s going to be very painful,” Trump told NBC on Thursday.

This is a developing story that HO1 will continue to monitor.
Check back for updates.

[UPDATE] US sends additional forces to Middle East ahead of Iran talks