Trump-Khamenei War Of Words Escalates As Hormuz Tensions Rise Ahead Of Islamabad Peace Talks

The West Asia conflict remains far from resolved despite a temporary ceasefire, with fresh tensions erupting ahead of crucial peace talks in Islamabad. U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran against charging vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Tehran of doing a “poor job” allowing oil traffic. Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei hit back, warning that Hormuz management would enter a “new phase” and threatening “criminal aggressors.” Reports suggest Iran continues to tightly control traffic through the key oil chokepoint. Meanwhile, Israel and Hezbollah continue exchanging strikes, underscoring the fragile state of the regional truce.