Washington DC: US President Donald Trump said the United States would not allow Iran to impose transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that the crucial shipping corridor is an international waterway.
Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews before Vice President JD Vance departed, Trump dismissed any suggestion that Washington would accept such charges.
“No, we’re not going to allow that. It’s international water. If they’re doing that, we’re not going to let that happen,” he said.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions with Iran, following reports that Tehran is considering levying tolls on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz — a vital artery for global oil supplies.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused Iran of attempting to use the waterway as leverage, saying the United States had exercised restraint to allow space for diplomacy.
“The Iranians don’t seem to realize they have no cards, other than a short-term extortion of the world by using international waterways. The only reason they are alive today is to negotiate!” he wrote.
In a separate post, Trump also criticised Iran’s messaging strategy, claiming it was more effective in public relations than in military engagement.
The proposed toll policy has been linked to a broader legislative plan in Iran. Ibrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s parliamentary national security commission, said a proposal under discussion would require transit fees through the Strait of Hormuz to be paid in Iran’s national currency, the rial.
According to statements shared by Iran’s consulate in Mumbai, the proposal is part of a “Strategic Action Plan for Security and Sustainable Development of the Strait of Hormuz.” The plan also allows for a potential agreement with Oman if needed, though officials described that provision as secondary.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil shipments. Any move to regulate or impose fees on transit is likely to have far-reaching implications for energy markets and international trade.
The developments come ahead of planned talks between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending a conflict in West Asia that has persisted for over a month. A two-week ceasefire between the two sides is currently in place to facilitate negotiations.
