Trump says only the US can impose a transit fee on the Strait of Hormuz

WASHINGTON, United States — WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump said no transit fees will be applied in the Strait of Hormuz beyond the 60-day period set under a recent US-Iran agreement, declaring that any such charge could only be imposed by the United States and for US benefit. In remarks reported on Wednesday, Trump said a possible US-imposed fee would reflect Washington's role as the guardian of the Middle East and would be used to cover past and current costs tied to that role. His comments come as the 60-day window in the Iran deal approaches its end. Iran's Fars news agency, citing an unnamed source, had earlier reported that Tehran would not collect transit fees during the 60-day period and planned to begin charging ships once it expired. Under a memorandum of understanding signed remotely on June 18, 2026, Iran and the United States agreed to end a military confrontation that began on June 28, lift a naval blockade on Iranian ports, and restore navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The deal also sets a 60-day timeline for negotiations on Iran's nuclear program.