The disagreements emerging in peace talks: The Strait of Hormuz
During the war, Iran began imposing tolls on passage through the Strait of Hormuz for select vessels to bypass its naval blockade.
Iran had hinted it would look to continue enforcing tolls after the war, regardless of maritime law and despite wide opposition. Trump said on Wednesday that Iran has told the US that no tolls were being sought from ships, and said negotiations would end “immediately” if it tries to enforce any such fees.
Oman and Iran agreed on Tuesday to press on with discussions about the future administration of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, including maritime services and the costs associated with them.
Earlier in June, the New York Times reported that Iran could look to impose ‘fees’, rather than tolls, linked to transiting the strait. No such tolls existed before the war.
James Reynolds24 June 2026 16:30
The disagreements emerging in peace talks: Frozen assets
Iran is seeking both reprieve from sanctions and the release of billions of dollars worth of assets frozen in banks around the world.
Trump said on Monday Iran was supposed to use the money being unfrozen to buy food exclusively from the United States, something not clear from reports on the interim agreement to end the war signed earlier in June.
But Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency cited Iranian central bank governor Abdolnaser Hemmati saying that Tehran is under no obligation to purchase agricultural inputs from the US under the current memorandum of understanding.
The US treasury secretary doubled down on Wednesday, insisting that a large share of Iran’s unfrozen assets would be used to buy US foods and medicine in a boon for Americans farmers and manufacturers. Scott Bessent, in an interview on CNBC, claimed that the treasury would have an operation in Doha to oversee the funds.
James Reynolds24 June 2026 16:00
The disagreements emerging in peace talks: Nuclear inspections
US vice president JD Vance said after the first round of talks that Iran had agreed to allow nuclear inspectors into the country.
The head of the UN’s nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, said on Wednesday that they would resume inspections in Iran soon, following the signing of an interim peace agreement.
But Iran’s deputy foreign minister promptly responded that Iran would only address matters including access to nuclear sites in the framework of a final deal and once steps have been taken to lift sanctions.
The IAEA halted its inspections of Iranian facilities in February, after the war started, and has not been back since.
Iran suspended its cooperation with the watchdog last year following US-Israeli strikes on its facilities.
James Reynolds24 June 2026 15:30
Trump was boasting of his ability to buy ‘good maple trees’ in early days of Iran war, book claims
President Trump appeared more interested in redecorating White House grounds than discussing conflict in Middle East in Oval Office meeting with journalists, a new book alleges.
James Reynolds24 June 2026 15:00
Two killed in Israeli drone strike in Lebanon: report
Two people have been killed in an Israeli drone strike on a vehicle in southern Lebanon, Reuters is reporting, citing medical and security sources.
James Reynolds24 June 2026 14:46
Trump moves to supercharge weapons production after Iran conflict drains US stockpiles: report
Extensive U.S. supplies to allies and its own military operations have depleted inventories of air-defense and precision-guided weapons, pressuring contractors to boost output.
This is the second White House gathering with executives from major defense firms. A March meeting included CEOs from Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and others, as well as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
James Reynolds24 June 2026 14:30
Watch: Tucker Carlson says Iran war is the end of Trump and MAGA has ‘no future’Tucker Carlson says Iran war is the end of Trump and MAGA has ‘no future’
James Reynolds24 June 2026 14:00
Another dispute emerges over handling of Iranian frozen funds
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed President Donald Trump on Wednesday and insisted that a large percentage of Iran’s unfrozen assets would be used to buy US foods and medicine even as Iran says it would determine its spending.
Bessent, in an interview on CNBC, added that the U.S. Department of Treasury would have an operation in Doha to oversee the funds.
James Reynolds24 June 2026 13:33
Qatar PM visits Oman for talks on Strait of Hormuz, diplomat says
Qatar’s prime minister visited Muscat on Wednesday for talks with Oman on setting up negotiations involving Iran, Iraq and Gulf Arab states on the reopening and future operation of the Strait of Hormuz, a diplomat briefed on the talks told Reuters.
The discussions are separate from U.S.-Iran peace talks and de-mining arrangements, and Gulf states are expected to push for no transit fees while Iran could propose environmental, navigation and security fees, the diplomat said.
Reuters24 June 2026 13:30
Talks will end if Iran is lying about Hormuz tolls, says Trump
In a new post on Truth Social, Donald Trump says that talks will end “immediately” if Iran does try to impose tolls or the like on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
He also claims that no money has been given to Iran, but indicates the US will release some frozen assets controlled by the US to American farmers and ranchers to buy food “desperately needed” in Iran.
“We will be purchasing it for them exclusively from the United States,” he claims.
James Reynolds24 June 2026 13:05