Trump introduced the aggressive tariff during a media appearance on Monday, declaring the United States the new guardian angel of the vital maritime passage. He later affirmed on Truth Social that the U.S. would collect a 20% surcharge on all cargo to cover the costs of securing the route. The proposal marks a sharp escalation in rhetoric regarding the volatile region, though critics suggest the move may inadvertently legitimize Iran’s long-standing ambition to levy its own transit fees.
Iran Mocks Trump’s 20% Toll Proposal for Strait of Hormuz
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has publicly ridiculed President Donald Trump’s plan to impose a 20% security fee on commercial vessels traversing the Strait of Hormuz. While agreeing in principle that the waterway's guardians deserve compensation, Araghchi dismissed the American figure as excessive compared to Iran’s own modest proposals.
Legal experts and observers were quick to point out the policy’s internal contradictions. Only weeks ago, Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted that international law strictly prohibits any nation from charging tolls on international waterways. By attempting to formalize a U.S.-led protection racket, the administration now faces accusations of undermining its own diplomatic stance, while simultaneously providing Tehran with a rhetorical opening to justify its own presence and potential interference in the strait.
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