Trump, like Iran, wants to charge for passage through the Strait of Hormuz – but is it legal?

President Donald Trump declared on Monday that the United States would impose a 20% tariff on cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz, should a potential deal with Iran collapse over the strategic waterway's control. This announcement comes after a ceasefire between the two nations failed.

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no country in the world has the right to charge for the use of international waterways.

Iran had previously closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and goods, following an attack by the U.S. and Israel on February 28, which triggered an international energy shock. The differing approaches of Trump and Iran regarding the strait's control and passage fees are critical to understanding the global implications.

Earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated that "no country in the world has the right to charge for the use of international waterways." However, Trump had previously hinted at the possibility of U.S. tolls if an agreement with Iran faltered. He wrote on social media on June 20 that "there will be no tolls in the Strait of Hormuz during the 60-day ceasefire period, and there will be no tolls after that 60-day period expires, unless they are imposed and collected by the United States... as compensation for services provided as the Guardian Angel of the Middle Eastern countries."

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There will be no tolls in the Strait of Hormuz during the 60-day ceasefire period, and there will be no tolls after that 60-day period expires, unless they are imposed and collected by the United States, as compensation for services provided as the Angel Guardian of the Middle Eastern countries, to compensate for past, present and future costs.

Following the ceasefire's collapse, Trump seems to have reverted to his earlier stance. He posted on social media Monday, "The United States will from this moment forward be known as the 'GUARDIAN OF THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ,' but, in that capacity and for FAIRNESS, will be compensated at a rate of 20 percent on all of the cargo transported."

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The United States will from this moment forward be known as the 'GUARDIAN OF THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ,' but, in that capacity and for FAIRNESS, will be compensated at a rate of 20 percent on all of the cargo transported.

Trump did not specify how these fees would be implemented or under what legal authority he could demand them for passage. Iran's objective has been to secure permanent control over the Strait of Hormuz, which it shares with Oman, viewing it as its strongest strategic asset. Tehran believes Washington accepted this in a temporary agreement, stating Iran would "make the greatest effort to ensure the safe passage of merchant ships without charge for only 60 days." The U.S., however, interpreted this solely as Iran's obligation to allow safe passage, not to impose restrictions.

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Iran will make the greatest effort to ensure the safe passage of merchant ships without charge for only 60 days.