U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose American-controlled tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz if a final agreement with Iran is not reached within the 60-day negotiation period outlined in the recently announced interim ceasefire arrangement.
In a post on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump said there would be no tolls during the 60-day ceasefire period and none afterward if a comprehensive deal is successfully concluded. However, he warned that the United States could introduce toll charges should negotiations collapse.
“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, should the deal not be completed,” Trump wrote.
Trump said any future tolls would serve as compensation for what he described as the United States acting as the “Guardian Angel” of Middle Eastern countries and ensuring the security of one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.
The comments came after Iran announced that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli military operations in Lebanon, accusing Washington of failing to uphold commitments to end regional hostilities. Tehran warned that progress in ongoing negotiations would be difficult if fighting continued.
The United States quickly rejected Iran’s claim that the waterway had been closed. U.S. Central Command said commercial shipping traffic continued through the strait and that American forces were monitoring the area to ensure freedom of navigation.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy corridor connecting the Persian Gulf to international markets. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through the narrow waterway, making any threat to shipping there a major concern for global energy markets and international trade.
Iranian and American negotiators are expected to begin technical-level talks in Switzerland as part of efforts to reach a broader agreement, including discussions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. The interim arrangement provides a 60-day window for both sides to negotiate a permanent deal, although the timeline could be extended if progress is made.
Trump’s warning highlights the high stakes surrounding the negotiations, with the future of maritime security in the Gulf and broader regional stability potentially hinging on whether a final agreement can be reached.
