Trump claims assured by Iran no tolls to be charged at Hormuz

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Iran had assured Washington it would not charge tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, as both sides continue negotiations to secure a longer-term settlement to end the Middle East conflict.

Trump said Iran had informed the United States that ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz would face “no tolls, no insurance costs, and no other charges of any kind” during the current negotiating period. He did not say whether that assurance would remain in place after the 60-day talks.

Trump made the remarks in a post on his social media platform, days after Washington and Tehran signed an agreement brokered by Pakistan to halt a conflict triggered by U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28.

The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the talks because it is one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. Iran had earlier proposed what it called maritime service fees for vessels crossing the waterway, a move strongly opposed by Washington.

Iran and Oman said on Tuesday they would study the costs linked to administering the strategic passage, maintaining that both countries hold sovereignty over the strait.

Why is the Strait of Hormuz central to the talks?

The waterway has become a major point of tension since the war disrupted regional shipping and energy flows. During the conflict, Tehran blockaded the route and launched waves of drones and missiles at Gulf states and Israel.

The agreement signed last week opened a 60-day negotiating process aimed at reaching a permanent settlement. While the fighting has stopped, several key issues remain unresolved.

Iran has framed the accord as a political victory. Senior negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Wednesday the Islamabad memorandum represented “America’s defeat” and was the result of Iran’s resistance.

He added that regional security should be managed by Middle Eastern countries rather than outside powers.

What issues remain between the U.S. and Iran?

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio began a Gulf tour this week to reassure regional allies concerned about the agreement, especially over Iran’s missile program and proxy groups.

Rubio met UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with both sides discussing the Iran accord and efforts to secure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the State Department.

Pakistan said technical talks between Washington and Tehran are expected to resume next week, although no date has been announced.

Iran’s nuclear program remains one of the biggest unresolved issues. Trump said on Tuesday Tehran had agreed to allow U.N. inspectors back into the country, but Iranian officials denied that any such agreement had been reached.

Rafael Grossi, head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog, said inspections of Iranian nuclear sites “are going to happen”, although Iranian negotiators said technical discussions on the matter were still ongoing.