Trump assures no tolls on Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump has declared that the Strait of Hormuz will remain toll-free, asserting that no tolls will be imposed during the 60-day ceasefire period or afterward. This assurance comes in the wake of a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding that established a truce, aiming to resolve the conflict that began on February 28.

The U.S. president made his statement on his social media platform, Truth Social. His remarks were issued shortly after Iran's armed forces announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway, in retaliation for Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon. The United States, however, maintained that maritime traffic continued through the strait, while remaining vigilant to ensure its openness.

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there will be no tolls in the Strait of Hormuz during the 60-day ceasefire period, nor after that period expires.

According to U.S. Central Command (Centcom), the maritime security threat level in the Strait of Hormuz was reduced to moderate following the memorandum of understanding. Centcom also issued warnings regarding potential "mine presence" and naval transit operations related to clearance activities. The U.S. had previously lifted a blockade on ships transiting to Iranian ports after the memorandum was signed on June 18.

Negotiations are scheduled to commence in Switzerland, with Iran's Foreign Minister set to participate. However, Iran has indicated that talks will only begin once obligations under the agreement are implemented, particularly concerning the cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon. The U.S. special envoy for the Middle East, along with other officials, is expected to attend these crucial discussions.

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the only exception for which tolls would be established would be if they were imposed by and for the United States of America, in case the agreement is not finalized, for services rendered as 'guardian angel' to the countries of the Middle East, in order to recover past, present and future costs.