Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jun 21: US President Donald Trump has said there will be no tolls for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz during or after the 60-day ceasefire period, unless such charges are imposed by the United States.
In a post on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump said, “There will be NO TOLLS in the Hormuz Strait for 60 days during the Cease Fire Period, and there will be NO TOLLS after the 60 day period has expired unless they are imposed by and for the United States of America.”
The statement has added uncertainty over the recently signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the US and Iran, which was aimed at creating a temporary ceasefire and opening the way for wider negotiations.
The Strait of Hormuz became a major pressure point after the US and Israel launched military action against Iran on February 28, with Tehran restricting movement through the strategic waterway.
Under Wednesday’s ceasefire agreement, the strait was expected to reopen for an interim 60-day period, during which Iran was not allowed to charge vessels for passage.
However, Iran’s joint military command on Saturday announced that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the US of breaching commitments under the agreement.
US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees American military operations in the region, denied the closure claim and said maritime traffic was continuing through the waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important shipping routes, with nearly 20 per cent of global oil and natural gas supplies passing through it, along with around 30 per cent of global fertiliser trade.
Previous disruptions in the strait have led to a rise in fuel prices and increased pressure on agricultural sectors worldwide.
Trump had earlier responded to Iran’s restrictions by imposing a US naval blockade around Iranian ports, which was lifted under the ceasefire agreement. The deal also paused fighting across several fronts, including Lebanon.
The memorandum, however, was not designed as a permanent agreement and mainly serves as a starting point for negotiations on issues including Iran’s nuclear programme.
The agreement does not specifically prevent future tolls from being introduced after the 60-day period. Before the conflict, vessels were not charged for passing through the waterway.
Trump had earlier said the strait should remain “permanently toll-free”, but his latest statement suggested the possibility of the US imposing charges if negotiations fail.
He said such a toll would compensate the US for “services rendered” as the “Guardian Angel” of Middle East countries and cover past, present and future costs.
Trump had previously raised the idea of the US charging tolls in April, saying the country should benefit from its role in securing the region.
There has been no confirmation that such a proposal has been formally presented to Middle Eastern countries, many of which have maintained relations with both Washington and Tehran during the conflict.
Iranian officials have repeatedly said they could consider imposing tolls, describing the issue as a matter of sovereignty and regional negotiations. The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran and Oman.
Further discussions are expected in the coming weeks, though the process has been complicated by continued Israeli military operations in Lebanon.
Iran said Saturday’s closure decision followed Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon that killed several people despite the ceasefire announcement.
Pakistan, which has been mediating between the US and Iran, said follow-up talks would begin in Switzerland on Sunday.
An Iranian delegation led by parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has already arrived for the negotiations.
The US side is expected to include Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Vice President JD Vance, who departed for Switzerland late Saturday.