Trump Suggests US Could Charge Tolls for Strait of Hormuz Passage Amid Iran War

US President Proposes Charging Tolls for Strait of Hormuz Passage

US President Donald Trump has suggested that the United States may consider charging a toll for ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after the war, a move that would likely require direct US military control over the strategic waterway.

Trump made the statement on Monday, saying that the US, as the 'winner' of the war, has a 'concept' for charging a toll in the strategic waterway. The US president emphasized that he would rather charge tolls than let Iran have the revenue from shipping fees.

The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Gulf to the Indian Ocean, lies mostly within Omani and Iranian territorial waters and is a critical passage for about 20 percent of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) before the war.

Trump's comments came as he issued a 'final' ultimatum to Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and agree to Washington's terms or face attacks against Iran's civilian infrastructure, including bridges and power plants.

Iran has already been charging a toll for some of the few ships it is allowing to pass through the strait, according to reports. Iranian officials have called for 'new arrangements' to manage the waterway after the war, ensuring safe passage for ships and protecting Iran's interests.

The White House said last week that Trump is considering asking Arab countries to pay for Washington's expenses in its war on Iran.