Gulf State leadership tried to dissuade Trump from implementing Hormuz tolls - report

Leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar reportedly intervened to dissuade former U.S. President Donald Trump from implementing a proposed 20% fee on commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement of the toll, which Trump stated was necessary for safety and security, had surprised allies and many White House aides.

According to a CNN report, Trump's advisors warned that the fees could undermine U.S. objectives in the vital waterway and potentially legitimize Iran's actions toward commercial vessels. Despite these internal objections, Trump's announcement prompted efforts to establish the logistics for collecting the toll.

Simultaneously, leaders from key U.S. allies in the Gulf began contacting Trump directly to advocate against the proposed fee. These appeals came from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar.

One day after announcing the toll, Trump reversed his decision. He stated that the proposed fee would be replaced by investment deals between the U.S. and Gulf states, potentially involving the same leadership that had opposed the initial toll plan.

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necessary to do the job of providing safety and security