Trump Announces Iran Will Not Impose Tolls on Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump has stated that there will be no tolls for passage through the Strait of Hormuz during an initial 60-day period under a recently signed memorandum of understanding (MOU). However, he also indicated that the US may impose tolls on the strait after this period expires.

In a post on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump wrote: “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 MOU, signed on Wednesday, aimed to establish a ceasefire in the regional conflict between the US and Iran. Under its terms, Iran is barred from charging vessels for passage through the strait during the interim period. However, the agreement does not explicitly rule out future tolls.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) has denied reports that Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, citing a “clear breach” of the memorandum’s commitments. The agency maintains that traffic continues to flow through the waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil and natural gas transportation, as well as fertiliser trade. Its closure has caused significant disruptions to the global energy market.

Trump had previously imposed a US naval blockade on Iran’s ports in the region, but this was lifted under the terms of the MOU. The deal also paused fighting on all fronts in the regional conflict, including in Lebanon.

The memorandum is intended as a temporary agreement, with negotiations on key issues such as Iran’s nuclear programme set to continue. However, several points of divergence between the US and Iran remain unaddressed, including the possibility of future tolls being collected from the strait after the 60-day period expires.

Source: Al Jazeera