Tehran , 17 May (H.S.): Iran is expected to soon unveil a new mechanism aimed at regulating commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, including a proposal to impose toll charges on ships using the strategic waterway. The development comes amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Iran would face severe consequences, prompting a sharp response from Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who stated that the world stands on the threshold of a new global order.

According to reports by Al Jazeera and the Tasnim News Agency, Iran has revealed fresh strategic measures concerning the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has declared that shipments of American weapons will no longer be permitted to pass through the strait. Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref stated that Tehran had previously made the mistake of relinquishing aspects of its sovereign authority over the Strait of Hormuz, but would not repeat that error again.

Iran has also warned its citizens to prepare for the possibility of war and further economic hardship. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that diplomatic negotiations had effectively collapsed and that Iran was now prepared for direct military confrontation with the United States. Araghchi further warned that any war imposed on Iran would also have repercussions for American families.

Kazakhstan has dispatched humanitarian assistance to Iran. The aid shipment, sent under the directive of the Kazakh President, includes canned meat, sugar, flour, medical equipment, and medicines. The consignment was handed over to the Iranian Red Crescent Society at the Sarakhs railway station.

Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Iran, Ontalap Onalbayev, stated that Iran remains an important political, economic, and humanitarian partner for Kazakhstan. The humanitarian support comes at a time when Iran is facing severe economic pressure. According to Iran’s official Statistical Center, annual inflation has surged to approximately 53.7 percent due to disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict. Prices of food items have increased by more than 115 percent compared to last year.

The foreign ministers of Qatar and Saudi Arabia held discussions over the phone regarding efforts to maintain a ceasefire and reduce tensions between the United States and Iran.

According to a statement issued from Doha, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani held a telephone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The statement said the two leaders discussed bilateral relations and regional developments, including ongoing efforts to maintain a ceasefire and ease tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Sheikh Mohammed urged all parties involved to respond positively to mediation efforts aimed at resolving the crisis through dialogue and diplomacy.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar