Trump warns Iran over Strait of Hormuz fees, Stage set for US-Iran talks in Pak, more

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran against charging fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. He said such actions, if true, must stop immediately. He accused Iran of restricting oil flow through the strait and said it violates the existing understandings between the two sides. Meanwhile, Mustafa Khamenei has announced a new phase in Iran's management of the Strait of Hormuz, signalling tighter control over the key global shipping routes.

And global attention is fixed on Islamabad, where high-stakes peace talks between the United States and Iran will take place on Saturday amid a fragile West Asia ceasefire. Security has been beefed up in Islamabad. Key government zones and diplomatic areas have been sealed, with roads blocked and civilian movement heavily restricted. Security forces have been deployed across the city, with checkpoints, barricades and patrols.