US-Iran war news Highlights: Iran to charge transit fees on ‘authorised’ ships using Strait of Hormuz

Iran said vessels from “authorised” countries passing through the Strait of Hormuz will have to pay Tehran for services provided during transit.

The decision follows approval of Article 3 of the “Strategic Action to Ensure the Security and Progress of the Strait of Hormuz” plan by Iran’s National Security Commission.

Fees will reportedly cover navigation, environmental services, safety, insurance, fueling under certain conditions and other maritime services.

Iran said the charges can be paid in Iranian rials or another currency chosen by Tehran.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called the memorandum of understanding signed in mid-June the best path out of the current “neither war nor peace” situation.

Pezeshkian said the agreement contains “not a single provision” that amounts to Iran’s surrender.

Supreme Leader sets policy: He reiterated that Iran’s Supreme Leader determines the country’s policies and that the government will follow that direction.

The memorandum opened a 60-day period for talks aimed at ending the war and reaching an agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme. The period ended last week without a breakthrough.

Negotiations have remained particularly difficult over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil and shipping.

Pezeshkian said Iran cannot attract investment while the country remains stuck in the current prolonged conflict and uncertainty.

Nearly six months into the war, Iran’s economy continues to face severe pressure from US sanctions and a US naval blockade.

Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed renewed US economic threats as a “recurring scenario” and said Tehran is prepared to counter them.

"The economic operation that Trump claims is a recurring scenario and the same old bullying in American politics. In a sense, it is a recurring movie that we have watched many times and we know how to deal with it," IRIB cited him as saying.

"The fact that they have returned to the same old plans after the military operations and the fact that we are doing this and that shows that they are desperate. They cannot think of any solution against the great nation of Iran and they are constantly putting repetitive plans into action," he said.

Beijing reiterated its support for a diplomatic solution to the ongoing US-Iran war.

China’s comments came shortly before Washington was expected to announce measures targeting Iran’s economic partners.

China Vice Foreign Minister Miao Deyu said Beijing is closely following developments in the region.

Miao said China is “actively committed to promoting peace talks” to help end the conflict.

Miao made the remarks during talks with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi in Beijing on August 17. (Bloomberg)

Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi called the expected US sanctions a sign of Washington’s “desperation” and said they would fail to defeat Iran.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to announce new measures and has warned of the “toughest sanctions in history” against Iran.

Iran continues to restrict tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting a key global oil route and pushing oil prices higher.

Washington is seeking China’s cooperation against Iran, despite Beijing being a major buyer of Iranian oil and calling for diplomacy.

Araqchi argued that US blockades and military operations have failed and predicted the same outcome for new sanctions.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said Tehran had received messages from neighbouring countries about new regional security and economic arrangements.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described US President Donald Trump's economic pressure campaign against Tehran as an "old bullying tactic" and said Iran knew how to deal with it according to Al Jazeera. He also said renewed US military threats showed Washington had "no new solutions".

Iran has discovered more than 7.5 trillion cubic feet of gas in a field south of Fars province, Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said, according to state media.

Iranian army spokesperson Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia in an interview to IRNA said the war with the US and Israel strengthened national unity and increased geopolitical awareness among Iranians. He also credited strong government support for maintaining the military's capabilities.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian defended the memorandum of understanding with the US as the best way to move beyond the stalled conflict, saying it serves Iran's national interests and does not amount to capitulation.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged that citizens are facing "many problems" as the US prepares fresh sanctions targeting Tehran's economy. He said Iran is in a "full-scale economic, military and security war" and that the government is working to address inflation, livelihoods, jobs and other challenges.

China's Foreign Ministry said its Deputy Foreign Minister Miao Deyu met Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi in Beijing on August 17. The two discussed bilateral, regional and international issues, including the Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir will visit Tehran on Monday, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said. He said the visit is part of Islamabad's efforts to strengthen regional peace and security as Pakistan mediates between Iran and the US.

Iran on Sunday executed a man accused of carrying a chainsaw during January anti-government protests who was charged with acting as an agent of Israel and the United States.

The diplomatic standoff between Tehran and Washington continues, as does the deadlock over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s president has said: “We are in a full-scale economic, military and security war”.

Masoud Pezeshkian also said in his televised speech that the government is “ashamed” that there are significant problems in the economy, Al Jazeera reported.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has said Israel has "no interest" in escalating tensions with Turkiye amid a dispute over last week's Israeli strike on Syria's Abu al-Duhur military airbase, Al Jazeera reported.

Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei has accused US President Donald Trump of undermining global nuclear security, alleging that Washington's military aggression against Tehran has driven other nations to seek atomic weapons.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is all set to embark on two-day visit to Paris where he will meet French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders are expected to discuss plans to develop alternative routes to the Strait of Hormuz, AP reported citing officials in the French presidency.

President Donald Trump has vowed to hit Iran hard economically, after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that Washington would impose measures on Tehran that have "never been seen" as soon as next week.

Bessent is due to hold a press conference at ​2 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT) on Monday.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran escalated further on Sunday after US President Donald Trump again shared an image that depicts the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz as "NEW US Territory", even as Iran reiterated that the crucial maritime corridor will remain closed unless the United States alters its stance.