United States President Donald Trump has claimed that only the US, which does not have sovereign control over the Strait of Hormuz, can impose a toll on vessels traversing the vital waterway. He has rejected the idea that Iran will impose tolls in the aftermath of the ceasefire agreement that many argue is simply a US “surrender.”
“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 on Truth Social on Saturday.
US & Iran Agree To A Deal That May Reopen Strait of Hormuz…Eventually
However, the text of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian states that Iran is able to levy tolls after the 60 days have lapsed. The MoU, which was published by Fars News Agency, an Iranian outlet, appears to give Iran a formal role in shaping the post-ceasefire regime in the Strait of Hormuz. The text states that Tehran will consult with Oman on the “future administration and maritime services” in the waterway and exchange views with other Gulf littoral states.
Giving Iran Permanent Control Of The Strait Of Hormuz Will Be A Disaster For The Global Economy
According to a report by RT, Trump claimed that any toll charges in the future would be considered justified compensation for America’s role in safeguarding maritime traffic in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz has been a vital issue during the war, and continues to plague the US now during peace talks. The interim understanding has reopened the waterway for the duration of the talks; however, let’s not forget that this Strait was open before the war started, too. That means the US achieved nothing by starting a war with Iran.
The shipping route handles roughly a fifth of global petroleum consumption and remains the world’s most important oil-shipping chokepoint, according to the US Energy Information Administration.
Several members of the ruling class arrived in Switzerland to discuss peace options and engage in diplomatic discussions. US Vice President JD Vance arrived on Sunday for talks with Iranian officials. The US delegation also includes special envoy Steve Witkoff and former senior adviser Jared Kushner, while Tehran is represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.