Trump Warns Iran Over Strait of Hormuz Toll Fees Amid Fragile Ceasefire

President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran on Thursday, demanding that the country stop charging fees to tankers navigating the Strait of Hormuz. The warning came amid a delicate ceasefire following weeks of conflict that has severely disrupted global energy markets.

Taking to Truth Social, Trump stated plainly that Iran should not be collecting any toll payments from vessels passing through the strait, adding that if such fees were already being levied, Iran needed to halt the practice immediately. He also hinted that oil would begin flowing again regardless of Iran's cooperation.

The dispute centers on reports that Iran may require cryptocurrency payments from tankers during a temporary ceasefire period as a way to maintain leverage over the critical waterway. A spokesperson for Iran's Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Products Exporters' Union confirmed to the Financial Times that such demands were being considered. Western governments have firmly opposed any arrangement that involves paying Iran for passage through international shipping lanes.

The Strait of Hormuz, which serves as a transit corridor for roughly 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas, has been operating at a fraction of its normal capacity since the conflict erupted. Ship traffic through the strait remained well below 10% of typical volumes on Thursday, even as the ceasefire took hold. Iran further complicated matters by instructing vessels to stay within its territorial waters while passing through.

The military confrontation began on February 28, when U.S. and Israeli forces struck Iran. Iran responded with retaliatory attacks against Israel and Gulf states hosting American military bases. The fighting has caused thousands of casualties, displaced millions of people, and sent global oil prices sharply higher. The ceasefire, announced by Trump on Tuesday, remains fragile as tensions over Hormuz access continue to simmer.