US President Donald Trump has strongly criticised Iran for reportedly charging fees to tankers and vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on Truth Social on Thursday, Trump wrote: “There are reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers going through the Hormuz Strait. They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now!”
The statement comes just days after a two-week ceasefire was announced between the United States and Iran. The ceasefire included an agreement to reopen the strategic waterway, which is one of the world’s most important routes for oil transportation.
According to reports, Iran has started charging high transit fees, reportedly up to $2 million per tanker, for limited passage through the strait. This has kept shipping traffic very low even after the ceasefire, causing continued disruption to global energy supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz carries nearly 20% of the world’s oil. Any restrictions or extra fees affect oil prices and energy security for many countries, including Pakistan, India, China, and Europe.
Trump’s warning highlights growing frustration with the slow return of normal shipping. While the ceasefire has reduced immediate military tensions, full freedom of navigation in the strait remains a major point of disagreement.
The issue of fees could become a key topic during the upcoming peace talks in Islamabad. For now, shipping activity through the strait remains minimal despite the truce.
