Trump vows no tolls in Strait of Hormuz unless US collects them

US President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social on Saturday that there will be no tolls in the Strait of Hormuz for the 60-day ceasefire period, and no tolls after that period expires, “unless they are imposed by and for the United States of America.” The statement is the latest sign that the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on Wednesday may be falling apart.

Since the US and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28, Iran has successfully used the strategic waterway as leverage, closing it to traffic. Under the MOU, the strait was supposed to reopen for a transitional 60-day period, during which Iran is barred from charging vessels.

On Saturday, Iran’s joint military command announced it had closed the Strait of Hormuz, citing a “clear breach” of the MOU commitments. US Central Command (CENTCOM) denied the report, insisting traffic continues to flow. The strait is a critical chokepoint, handling nearly 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas, and about 30% of global fertilizer trade. Its closure has driven up global fuel costs and strained agricultural sectors.

Trump had responded to Iran’s blockade by imposing a US naval blockade on Iranian ports, but that was lifted under the MOU. The MOU also paused fighting on all fronts, including in Lebanon. However, it is not a long-term deal but a starting point for negotiations on issues like Iran’s nuclear program. It does not address future toll collection after the 60-day period.

Before the war, there were no tolls in the strait. Trump previously said the waterway should remain “permanently toll-free,” but Saturday’s post reversed course, suggesting the US could collect tolls as compensation for “services rendered as the Guardian Angel to the countries of the Middle East.”

There is no indication Trump’s plans have been officially presented to regional countries. Iranian officials have repeatedly said they do not rule out imposing tolls, framing it as a sovereignty issue. Further discussions are expected, but ongoing Israeli operations in Lebanon threaten the MOU. Iran linked Saturday’s closure to Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon that killed dozens after the ceasefire was announced.

Follow-up talks are scheduled to begin Sunday in Switzerland, with an Iranian delegation led by parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and US representatives including Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, and Vice President JD Vance.