Trump Dismisses Iran's "Tolls" for Strait of Hormuz Passage

US President Donald Trump has outright dismissed the possibility of Iran imposing tolls on vessels passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. This comes as an Iranian official stated Tehran is drafting legislation to introduce fees tied to security coordination for the waterway. The proposal would bar "hostile" vessels from the US and Israel while requiring prior coordination for others. Diplomatic engagements continue between the sides amid an expiring two-week cease-fire deal.

Key Points: Trump Rejects Iran's Possible Strait of Hormuz Tolls

  • Trump rejects tolls on Hormuz passage
  • Iran proposes security coordination fees
  • Hostile US, Israel vessels would be barred
  • Critical global oil shipping route at stake
  • Diplomacy continues amid expiring cease-fire
2 min read

"They're not going to be tolls": Trump on possible charges imposed to pass through Hormuz

US President Donald Trump dismisses Iran's potential charges for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, amid new security fee proposals.

"No way. None at all? Nope. You can't do the tolls. No, they're not going to be tolls. - Donald Trump"

Washington DC, April 18

US President Donald Trump on Friday dismissed the possibility of Iran imposing any form of tolls or charges on vessels passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, saying, "they're not going to be tolls," and rejecting the idea outright.

Responding to a question during an interaction with reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump was asked whether Iran could impose restrictions or levy charges on ships navigating the key maritime route.

"No way. None at all? Nope. You can't do the tolls. No, they're not going to be tolls," Trump responded.

The comments come amid heightened geopolitical focus on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical oil shipping routes, where any disruption or restriction could have significant global economic implications.

This comes after Iran said that it will not impose "traditional fees" on ships passing through the strait, but is considering a new framework tied to security coordination, according to Al Jazeera.

Speaking to Al Jazeera Mubasher, the spokesman for Iran's National Security Committee, Ebrahim Rezaei, said Tehran is drafting legislation that would introduce fees related to "securing the strait", rather than conventional transit charges.

Rezaei stated that vessels would only be allowed to pass through the critical waterway in coordination with Iranian authorities, signalling tighter oversight of maritime traffic.

He added that "hostile military vessels", particularly those from the United States and Israel, would be barred from passage entirely, while "friendly" ships could transit subject to prior coordination with Iranian forces.

He also emphasised that Iran rejects any role for the United States in managing or securing the strait.

Meanwhile, diplomatic engagements are currently underway between the two sides, aimed at achieving a complete halt to the hostilities in West Asia.

The enatuhisn are taking place amid a two-week cease-fire deal between the US and Iran, which is set to expire on Wednesday, April 22.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Trump's dismissal seems too simplistic. Iran is clearly proposing a different model tied to security, not traditional tolls. The world needs to understand their perspective too. Constant US pressure isn't the only solution.
A
Aman W
As an Indian, my main concern is the price of petrol and diesel. If tensions rise there, our economy suffers. Our government should engage with both sides to ensure stability. Jai Hind.
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Sarah B
Interesting to see the framing. From an international law perspective, can a coastal state unilaterally impose such conditions? The "security coordination" fee sounds like a toll by another name. The global community needs a clear, rules-based approach.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, I think the article could have provided more context on India's diplomatic stance. We have good relations with both Iran and the US. Our voice is important in this, and it would be good to know what our MEA is saying.
K
Karthik V
The ceasefire expires soon. Fingers crossed it gets extended. Another conflict in the region is the last thing anyone needs, especially with global inflation. Let's hope for peace.

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