US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz would not face tolls during the current 60-day ceasefire period and suggested that any future charges should only be imposed by the United States.
In a post on Truth Social, 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 US.”
Trump also suggested that if negotiations fail to produce a permanent peace agreement, the United States could seek compensation for acting as the region’s “guardian angel.”
Iran Reportedly Closes Strait of Hormuz Again
Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters announced that vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz would be suspended. The military command blamed what it described as Washington’s failure to carry out the first clause of the agreement to end the conflict and accused Israel of continuing to violate the ceasefire in southern Lebanon while maintaining forces in Lebanese territory.
The move came just one day after reports emerged that Tehran was preparing a new regulatory system for shipping in the waterway after the conclusion of the 60-day negotiation period triggered by the recently signed memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran.
Iran Proposed Insurance Rules for Ships
According to a document circulated among shipping executives, Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) proposed that all vessels using the Strait of Hormuz must carry insurance approved by the agency.
The authority said the insurance would initially be provided free of charge, but noted that it “reserves the right to introduce insurance fees in the future, which will be determined by the relevant insurer”.
Under the current US-Iran agreement, Tehran agreed to restore shipping traffic to pre-conflict levels and not impose charges during the first 60 days.
Shipping Industry Raises Concerns Over Future Charges
The Strait of Hormuz handles around one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making it one of the most critical maritime routes globally.
The possibility of future insurance fees has raised concerns among shipping companies that Iran may seek to establish a broader regulatory framework that would effectively require vessels to pay for safe passage.
An Iranian official told the Financial Times, “The text of the memorandum of understanding is clear. For a period of 60 days from the date the MoU entered into force, vessel traffic will be carried out without any charges being collected.”
The official added that after the ceasefire period ends, Iran and Oman would work out a future framework that “will likely include fees related to service provision and safe passage”. According to the official, discussions with Oman and regional countries are still ongoing.
Oman Considering Maritime Service Charges
Although Oman has previously said it would not impose tolls, a person familiar with the talks told the Financial Times that Muscat is examining possible “lawful charges” for services such as environmental protection, pilotage and enhanced navigational security. Oman’s territorial waters cover part of the western side of the Strait of Hormuz, giving the country an important role in any future arrangements.
Iran Warns Ships to Stay Away From the Strait
According to two people familiar with the matter quoted by the Financial Times, Iran fired warning shots near vessels on Friday and broadcast a radio message warning ships to avoid the area.
The message stated, “Given that the withdrawal of Israel from Lebanon, the complete lifting of the naval blockade, and the departure of American terrorist forces … are core conditions for an agreement between Iran and the United States, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until these two conditions are met.”
The broadcast further warned, “All vessels are hereby instructed to avoid approaching the Strait of Hormuz for their own safety and security. Any vessel that disregards this order will be targeted.”
Iran had previously indicated that it could charge vessels as much as $2 million in cryptocurrency for passage through the strategic waterway.
Future Talks to Determine Strait of Hormuz Administration
Under the interim US-Iran agreement, Tehran is expected to continue negotiations with Oman and other Gulf countries over the future administration of the Strait of Hormuz and the maritime services provided there.
The agreement states that any future arrangement should be carried out “in line with the applicable international law and the sovereign rights of coastal states.”
Despite reports of possible charges, Trump made clear that the United States does not support the imposition of any tolls on international shipping through one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
