Washington, April 11, 2026 — U.S. President Donald Trump has firmly rejected reports that Iran is imposing tolls or fees on oil tankers and other vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, warning Tehran to stop immediately if such charges are being levied. At the same time, Trump has emphasized that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains the central U.S. objective in ongoing ceasefire and peace negotiations.
In a series of statements on Truth Social and to reporters, Trump declared: “There are reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers going through the Hormuz Strait. They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now!” He followed up by asserting that, thanks to his administration’s actions, “IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON” and that oil will begin flowing through the strait “very quickly, with or without the help of Iran.”
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. Before the recent conflict, it carried roughly one-fifth of global seaborne oil trade. Following weeks of military confrontation between the U.S.-Israel alliance and Iran, shipping traffic has slowed to a near standstill despite a fragile two-week ceasefire agreement reached earlier this week.
Iran has signaled it intends to exert control over the strait, reportedly demanding fees—sometimes cited in the range of $1 per barrel of oil or even millions per vessel—payable in cryptocurrency for safe passage. Maritime experts and U.S. allies have described any such unilateral tolls as unprecedented and illegal under international norms governing vital sea lanes. Several shipping firms have been advised not to pay any levies to Iran.
Trump initially floated the idea of a U.S.-Iran “joint venture” to manage and potentially profit from security and toll arrangements in the strait, describing it as a way to ensure safe passage. However, he has since hardened his position against unilateral Iranian fees, insisting the waterway must reopen freely for international commerce. He has vowed that the strait will reopen “fairly soon” regardless of Tehran’s full cooperation.
On the nuclear issue, Trump has been unequivocal. When asked what would constitute a successful deal with Iran ahead of talks in Islamabad, Pakistan—where a U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance is engaging Iranian representatives—he replied that stopping Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons is “99% of it” and “number one.” He added that other issues, including regional stability, would follow once that core demand is met.
The ceasefire, while holding tenuously, has not yet restored normal shipping volumes. Oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel amid the disruptions, affecting global energy markets. Iran maintains it retains the right to regulate passage and has accused the U.S. and its allies of continued aggression. Meanwhile, U.S. officials have warned of possible renewed military action if a “real agreement” is not reached soon.
Trump’s approach blends tough rhetoric with deal-making overtures. He has claimed significant progress from the recent conflict, stating that Iran has “no cards left” and that his pressure has advanced the goal of denuclearization. Critics, however, point out that Iran’s leadership remains in place, its nuclear infrastructure is largely intact though damaged, and the strait—open before the war—has become a new point of leverage for Tehran.
As negotiations continue in Islamabad, the coming days will test whether the ceasefire can evolve into a broader understanding. For now, President Trump’s message is clear: unrestricted access to the Strait of Hormuz without Iranian tolls, and zero tolerance for an Iranian nuclear weapon. Global markets and energy-dependent nations will be watching closely for any breakthrough or breakdown.
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