Trump Warns Iran Against Charging Tanker Fees Amid Hormuz Disruption

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Washington DC: US President Donald Trump has warned Iran not to impose fees on tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, as the key shipping route remains heavily disrupted following the recent conflict.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump said reports suggesting Iran may charge vessels for transit were unacceptable. “They better not be, and, if they are, they better stop now,” he wrote, signalling strong opposition from Washington and its allies.

The warning comes amid media reports that Tehran is considering introducing toll payments, potentially in cryptocurrency, during the ongoing two-week ceasefire with the United States. The proposal, reportedly aimed at maintaining control over the strait, has been met with resistance from Western leaders, who have rejected the idea of paying for passage.

In a separate remark, Trump suggested that oil supplies would resume regardless of Iran’s cooperation, stating, “You’ll see oil start flowing, with or without the help of Iran.”

Despite the ceasefire, ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely limited, operating at less than 10% of normal levels. Iran has continued to assert control over the waterway, warning vessels to remain within its territorial boundaries.

The strait, a critical chokepoint handling around 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, has seen near-total disruption since the outbreak of the conflict. The war, which began on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes on Iran, triggered retaliatory attacks by Tehran across the region, escalating tensions and sending shockwaves through global energy markets.

Ongoing hostilities, including Israeli strikes in Lebanon, have resulted in significant casualties and mass displacement, further complicating efforts to stabilise the region.