Trump rejects Iran’s planned tolls on Hormuz shipping

US President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s reported initiative to levy charges on commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, insisting that the strategic waterway remains an international passage free of tolls.

‘We don’t want paid transit’

Speaking to reporters after a White House event, Trump said Washington is closely monitoring the situation. “We’re looking into it and we’re aware of the developments. We don’t want paid transit. That is an international waterway. We’ll see what happens,” he stated. His remarks came following reports that Tehran had contacted Oman to discuss plans to impose fees on commercial crossings through the strait, a vital chokepoint for global oil and gas shipments.

Naval blockade and nuclear red lines

Trump claimed the US has militarily defeated Iran and emphasized that negotiations remain ongoing. He reiterated that Washington will never allow Tehran to obtain nuclear weapons. The president also asserted that a naval blockade on Iranian ports is being executed “extremely effectively,” adding that no vessel can enter or exit Iranian harbors without US approval. “Our navy is performing a successful mission in the region,” he said.

Highly enriched uranium to be seized

When asked about stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, Trump said the US would take possession of the material. “We don’t need it, and we will most likely destroy it,” he said, stressing that Washington will not tolerate such material remaining in Iranian hands. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical artery for global energy trade, and any disruption directly affects energy imports and regional stability.