Trump Threatens Iran over Strait of Hormuz, Peace Negotiations at Risk

US President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Iran regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease the conflict in the Middle East. Citing a Bloomberg report on Friday (10 April 2026), Trump had previously expressed optimism that an agreement with Iran could be reached. However, he then issued a stern warning concerning alleged levies on tankers transiting the strategic route. “There are reports that Iran is charging fees on tankers crossing the Strait of Hormuz. They should not do that, and if true, they must stop it immediately,” Trump wrote on social media. In a prior interview with NBC News, Trump described Iran’s leaders as “more rational” than their public statements. He also revealed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would restrain the intensity of attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Netanyahu’s decision to open direct talks with Lebanon had previously pressured oil prices. The US government also plans to host a meeting next week to discuss the continuation of ceasefire negotiations. Nevertheless, Netanyahu emphasised that Israel’s attacks in Lebanon are not included in the US-Iran ceasefire agreement. The Israeli military has even urged residents in several areas of Beirut to evacuate before launching further strikes, following a previous operation that killed more than 300 people. The Strait of Hormuz, the main route for about one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply, has yet to recover. Shipping activity remains well below normal levels. Ship owners are still awaiting security assurances, even though Iran has announced what it calls safe shipping lanes. Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has affirmed that the management of the Strait of Hormuz will enter a new phase. He has also reiterated demands for war compensation, which is seen as an obstacle in the negotiations.