US President: We will not allow Iran to impose fees on ship passage through the Strait of Hormuz

Washington, Aug 3 (KUNA) – U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated on Monday that he will not allow Iran to impose fees on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that this issue is not up for discussion in the ongoing talks with Tehran. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office of the White House, Trump said, “I will not allow them to impose fees (in Hormuz); we are in complete control.” He added, “We have what is known as a naval blockade enforced by our naval forces. They call it the U.S. Steel Wall. So there is no room for imposing any fees. We are not even talking about it, and it will not happen.”

Regarding the U.S.-Iran talks, Trump said, “Iran did not want to be struck and expressed a desire to negotiate. They want to discuss the strait issue, but from my perspective, the most important matter is discussing Iran’s nuclear disarmament; that is the core of the entire issue.” He clarified, “We are talking about the strait and its opening. Opening it in the literal sense by tomorrow and keeping it fully open, and that is the first phase.” He added, “The second phase relates to discussing nuclear capabilities.”

He continued, “As we have previously indicated, I believe the majority agrees that Iran’s nuclear disarmament is necessary, inevitable, and will constitute the second phase.” He reaffirmed, “The priority is opening the strait, followed by the nuclear disarmament phase, which will take some time. However, we are firmly committed to this position: Iran cannot possess a nuclear weapon, a stance from which we have never wavered.”

The U.S. president announced on Sunday new talks with Iran, set to begin today, hours after the decision to suspend military strikes on Iran. (End) R.S.R./M.A.H.A.