Ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz will not be required to pay any transit tolls during a proposed 60-day ceasefire period with Iran, US President Donald Trump said on June 20, while warning that the US could impose charges later if peace talks fail.
According to Reuters, Trump said in a post on “Truth Social” that there would be “NO TOLLS” for vessels using the strategic waterway throughout the ceasefire and after it ends, provided a broader agreement is successfully reached.
The announcement offers reassurance to global shipping and energy markets, which closely monitor developments in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for international oil and gas exports.
However, Trump also left open the possibility of future US-imposed tolls should negotiations with Iran break down.
“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,” he wrote, adding that charges could be introduced by the US if a final deal is not completed.
Trump argued that Washington has long acted as a security guarantor for countries in the Middle East, suggesting any future fees would compensate the US for safeguarding regional shipping lanes and maintaining stability.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints, carrying a substantial share of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Any threat to freedom of navigation in the narrow passage can have immediate repercussions for energy prices and global trade.
Trump’s remarks come as diplomatic efforts continue to reduce tensions with Iran, with the proposed ceasefire seen as a potential stepping stone toward a broader agreement.
For now, the message from Washington is clear: Ships can transit the Strait of Hormuz without charge during the ceasefire period, though the prospect of future tolls remains tied to the success or failure of negotiations.
