Hormuz dispute clouds U.S.-Iran negotiations

The United States and Iran will hold their first face-to-face talks since war broke out on Feb. 28, with negotiations set for April 11 in Islamabad, Pakistan. Two days before the meeting, U.S. President Donald Trump and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei traded sharp warnings as both sides jockeyed for leverage.

Major differences remain over key issues, including access to the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively restricted since the conflict began, and Israel’s continued strikes on Lebanon despite a two-week ceasefire agreed on April 7. How those gaps are handled will be critical to the outcome of the talks.

Trump said on Truth Social on April 9 that reports Iran was charging tolls on tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz should not be true and must stop immediately if confirmed. He also said Iran was doing “a very poor job” of allowing Middle Eastern oil shipments to pass, calling it inconsistent with the ceasefire understanding.

The comments reflect U.S. frustration that Iran has yet to fully reopen the waterway despite agreeing to a temporary arrangement. Tehran has cited Israel’s continued attacks on Lebanon as justification for maintaining tight control over the strait.

Ali Khamenei signaled no shift in position, saying Iran would tighten its control over the Strait of Hormuz and would not relinquish what he described as its legitimate rights. He also warned that Iran would hold those responsible for attacks against it to account, underscoring its intent to use the strait as leverage in negotiations.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who is expected to represent Iran in Islamabad, condemned Israel’s strikes on Lebanon and warned that resistance would intensify if the United States continues to violate its commitments. He said Iran is prepared to defend its rights at any cost.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on April 9. Iranian outlets, including Tasnim News Agency, denied the report, calling it false. The denials suggest Tehran is signaling that talks with Washington hinge on a halt to Israeli strikes on Lebanon, while avoiding any impression it is rushing into negotiations.


Jin-Woo Shin niceshin@donga.com