US-Iran war news LIVE: Trump says frozen Iranian assets will fund purchases of US farm goods | Today’s news
US-Iran war news LIVE: President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States plans to use Iranian assets frozen under US sanctions to buy wheat, soybeans and corn from American farmers.
Iran-backed Hezbollah claimed on Thursday that Israel violated the ceasefire when it said it carried out a drone strike that killed three civilians in southern Lebanon. The group said the attack was a “direct attack” on “civilians,” while Israel earlier said it had killed Hezbollah fighters.
The UN maritime agency has halted the evacuation of ships from the Strait of Hormuz due to safety concerns
The United Nations yesterday suspended the evacuation of ships through the Strait of Hormuz after the British military said a vessel had been hit by a missile off the coast of Oman. The International Maritime Organization said evacuations would remain on hold until it could verify safety guarantees for ships waiting to sail and others operating in the region.
Rubio rejects Strait of Hormuz tolls
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday that Washington remained committed to negotiating an end to the conflict with Iran, but would not accept any deal that would allow Tehran to impose fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Bloomberg.
“You can call it a toll, you can call it a fee, whatever you want to call it — it’s a game of semantics,” Rubio said.
In a speech in Bahrain at the end of his Gulf tour, Rubio rejected the distinction between tolls and service charges, saying any such demand would be unacceptable. He warned that allowing Iran to load vessels could encourage other countries to do the same, disrupting global maritime trade.
His remarks came as confusion persisted in the Strait of Hormuz despite US assurances that the key shipping route remained open. The vessel was hit by an unidentified projectile on Thursday while several cargo ships reportedly changed course before entering the strait.
Rubio’s comments followed reports that Iran and Oman are exploring a framework for joint management of the Strait of Hormuz, including the cost of naval operations. The proposal raised concerns in Washington and among Gulf allies about the possibility of transit fees.
Trump said a day earlier that he would reject any deal with Iran that included transport or service charges. Rubio later said Oman had made clear during the Gulf Cooperation Council meeting that it opposed such fees and supported a joint US-GCC statement rejecting tolls or attempts to control navigation through the strategic waterway.
Rubio’s visit to Bahrain capped a three-day tour aimed at reassuring Gulf partners that their security concerns would be reflected in any future deal with Tehran.
