Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, Jun 25: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday sought to reassure global markets and the shipping industry, stating that Iran has assured Washington it will not impose tolls, insurance fees or any other charges on vessels passing through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump dismissed reports suggesting Iran planned to regulate or charge ships using the vital maritime corridor, through which nearly one-fifth of the world's seaborne oil trade passes.
"Iran has informed the US that, despite troublemaking Fake News reporting to the contrary, there are no tolls, no insurance costs, and no other charges of any kind being sought or received by Iran on ships travelling the Strait of Hormuz," Trump wrote.
He warned that any deviation from Iran's assurances could jeopardise ongoing diplomatic engagements. "If this is false information, negotiations would end immediately!" he added.
The Strait of Hormuz has remained a focal point of global concern amid tensions in the Gulf region, with reports of possible Iranian restrictions raising fears of disruptions to international energy supplies and maritime trade.
Trump also denied reports that the United States had transferred cash or released unrestricted funds to Iran. Clarifying Washington's position, he said any Iranian assets under US control would be used through a tightly monitored mechanism designed to benefit the Iranian people rather than the government.
"Additionally, no money has been given to Iran, or released from their money to them, by the US," Trump said.
According to the proposed arrangement, portions of frozen Iranian assets would be released under strict oversight and used exclusively to purchase American agricultural products, including corn, wheat and soybeans, intended for civilian use in Iran.
"We will be releasing some of their money, which is totally controlled by us, to our farmers and ranchers," Trump said, adding that the food supplies were urgently needed by the Iranian population.
US Vice President JD Vance later outlined the framework following high-level discussions in Burgenstock, Switzerland. He said the mechanism, reportedly conceived by Jared Kushner, would involve cooperation with Qatar to ensure the funds are used solely for humanitarian purposes.
"We wanted to make sure that we set up a process where if we ever unfreeze Iranian assets, we can ensure that money goes to help the people of Iran and not to fund terrorism," Vance said.
The developments come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran, with both sides attempting to reduce tensions while maintaining negotiations on broader regional and economic issues.