Trump Threatens Hormuz Tolls If Peace Deal With Iran Fails Amid Strait Closure Claims

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened that the United States may impose its own tolls on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz if a comprehensive peace deal with Iran is not finalized within 60 days. This declaration comes just hours after Iran claimed to have re-closed the vital oil shipping route, injecting fresh uncertainty into global markets already grappling with heightened geopolitical risks. A preliminary memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed earlier this week between the U.S. and Iran, aimed at de-escalating conflicts, had stipulated toll-free passage through the Strait for a 60-day negotiation period.

The escalation began when Iran's joint military command announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, alleging that Israel's continued attacks in Lebanon constituted a violation of the first clause of the MoU, which called for a cessation of hostilities on all fronts. This move by Iran followed reports of renewed fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, casting doubt on a recently agreed ceasefire.

However, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and U.S. Vice President JD Vance swiftly disputed Iran's claims regarding the Strait's closure. Captain Tim Hawkins, a CENTCOM spokesperson, affirmed that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to commercial traffic and that U.S. forces are actively monitoring the situation to ensure freedom of navigation. CENTCOM further reported that 55 merchant ships, carrying over 17 million barrels of oil, transited the waterway on Saturday.

In a post on Truth Social, President Trump elaborated that any U.S.-imposed tolls would be for "services rendered as the Guardian Angel to the countries of the Middle East for purposes of both past, present, and future reimbursement of costs." This statement marks a shift in Trump's stance, who has previously voiced concerns about Iran potentially imposing fees or tolls in the strategic waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial chokepoint through which approximately one-fifth of the world's total oil supply passes. Any disruption or the imposition of tolls could significantly impact global energy prices. The initial agreement to reopen the Strait had previously led to a decline in crude oil prices and a rally in equity futures, effectively removing a 'war premium' from the markets. The current volatile situation poses new risks for energy commodities and global supply chains.

Technical-level negotiations between U.S. and Iranian delegations, including Vice President JD Vance and Iranian officials, are set to continue in Switzerland. These talks aim to address the specifics of the preliminary agreement and work towards a broader, more lasting peace deal. Nevertheless, the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Lebanon introduce considerable uncertainty into the negotiation process and the prospects for a definitive resolution.