Trump opposes Hormuz tolls, vows to take Iran’s uranium

President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on Thursday that the United States opposes any tolls on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. “We don’t want tolls. It’s an international waterway. They’re not charging tolls right now,” Trump said. He claimed that Iran is suffering major financial losses due to restrictions on shipping activity and asserted that the US maintains complete control over maritime traffic in the strategic waterway.

Uranium and nuclear weapons

Asked whether Iran could retain its stockpile of highly enriched uranium under any future arrangement, Trump answered bluntly: “No, we get the highly enriched; we will get it. We don’t need it. We don’t want it. We’ll probably destroy it after we get it, but we’re not going to let them have it.” He reiterated that the US will not allow Iran to possess a nuclear weapon. “Right now, we’re negotiating, and we’ll see, but we’re going to get it one way or the other,” he said.

Blockade and ceasefire

Trump claimed the US naval blockade has been “100% effective,” describing it as “a steel wall.” He said Washington is monitoring reported negotiations between Iran and Oman over possible tolls. A ceasefire brokered by Pakistan took effect on April 8 but failed to produce a lasting agreement. Trump later extended the truce indefinitely while maintaining the blockade.