US President Donald Trump’s promise to levy high fees on any cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz was ridiculed by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday, claiming Iran would offer a lesser rate. POTUS is entirely correct. Commercial vessels should be able to transit through the Strait of Hormuz safely and securely, and this service should be paid for. Iran has been and will continue to be the Strait’s guardian. Of certainly, 20% is excessive. In a social media post, Tehran’s top ambassador declared, “We will be fair.”
Trump previously declared that the US is “reinstating” a blockade of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and will impose fees on other ships to ensure their safe passage. As another gunfight threatened to escalate into full-scale conflict, Iran has maintained that it controls the vital canal.
Prior to the US and Israel’s attack on Iran on February 28, the US had stated that the strait should stay open to everyone without tolls. Any move by the US or Iran to impose taxes would go against international standards for freedom of navigation, escalate tensions, and probably cause more economic damage well beyond the region. The interim ceasefire agreement reached last month has already come under increased scrutiny due to recent firefights provoked by Iranian strikes on ships.
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