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🇰🇷 South Korea /Economy & Trade

Trump hints at U.S. tolls on Hormuz if Iran talks fail

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that if negotiations with Iran fail, the U.S. might impose tolls on the Strait of Hormuz to recoup security costs.
  • Trump stated that no tolls would be imposed during the 60-day ceasefire period, but exceptions could be made for the U.S. after that if a deal isn't reached.
  • This move is seen as a strong warning and pressure tactic, aiming to compel Middle Eastern countries to pay for U.S. security services in the region.

President Donald Trump has signaled a potential new financial pressure point on Iran, suggesting the U.S. could impose tolls on the Strait of Hormuz if ongoing negotiations fail. Trump stated on his social media platform, Truth Social, that while no tolls would be levied during the current 60-day ceasefire, the U.S. reserves the right to charge them afterward if a final agreement is not reached.

During the 60-day ceasefire, there will be no tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, and even after 60 days, there will be no tolls.

— Donald TrumpPresident Trump's statement on his social media platform, Truth Social, addressing concerns about Iran potentially tolling the Strait of Hormuz.

This potential move is interpreted as a significant warning and a tactic to pressure Middle Eastern nations. The U.S. would seek to recoup past, present, and future costs incurred for providing security services in the region, acting as a "guardian angel." This comes as Trump faces criticism domestically that the recent memorandum of understanding with Iran is a "de facto surrender" by the U.S.

However, there will be an exception for tolls imposed by the United States, for the United States.

— Donald TrumpPresident Trump's statement on his social media platform, Truth Social, outlining conditions under which the U.S. might impose tolls.

Trump also used the platform to defend his administration's policies, contrasting them with those of former President Obama. He claimed Obama "continuously supported Iran with billions of dollars" and failed to adequately use the military to sanction the state sponsor of terrorism. Trump asserted that Iran, which he stated had committed murder for 47 years without punishment before his presidency, changed dramatically after his arrival, declaring, "America is back."

If the negotiations are not finalized, the United States may claim tolls to compensate for past, present, and future costs incurred as the guardian angel of Middle Eastern countries.

— Donald TrumpPresident Trump's statement on his social media platform, Truth Social, explaining the rationale for potential U.S.-imposed tolls.

He further mocked Democratic claims that Iran is in a stronger position than three months prior, despite Iran having "no navy, no air force" when it was defeated. Trump's statements reflect a broader effort to bolster his administration's achievements and project strength in foreign policy, particularly concerning Iran and regional security.

Obama continuously supported Iran with billions of dollars and did not properly utilize our military to sanction Iran, a state sponsor of terrorism.

— Donald TrumpPresident Trump's statement on his social media platform, Truth Social, criticizing the previous administration's Iran policy.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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