Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has said that any proposal to impose fees, tolls, or maritime charges on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz would be unacceptable to the United States and could jeopardize ongoing negotiations with Iran.
Speaking during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump emphasized that international shipping lanes must remain open and free from additional charges. He warned that allowing fees on one of the world’s most critical maritime routes could set a precedent for similar measures elsewhere, disrupting global trade and energy markets.
Trump stated that Iran had assured the United States that it was not seeking to impose tolls or transit charges on ships using the Strait of Hormuz. He stressed that if such assurances proved false, negotiations between Washington and Tehran could be halted immediately.
The remarks come amid reports that Iran and Oman had discussed the possibility of introducing navigation-related costs or service fees for vessels transiting the strategic waterway. The proposals have drawn concern from shipping companies and governments that rely on the route for the movement of oil and other goods.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, carrying a significant share of global seaborne oil exports. Any disruption, restriction, or additional cost associated with transit through the strait has the potential to affect international energy prices and global supply chains.
Trump said the current discussions with Iran were moving in a positive direction but reiterated that freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz remains a non-negotiable issue for the United States.