US President Donald Trump has issued a warning to Iran, urging it not to impose charges on oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, following reports alleging that Tehran is levying fees on vessels using the strategic waterway.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Thursday, Trump said such actions were unacceptable and must be stopped immediately. “If they are indeed charging, they need to stop now,” he stated.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where the Strait of Hormuz — a critical passage for around one-fifth of global oil trade — has faced growing instability amid ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
International reports have suggested that Iran is either considering or already imposing charges on ships navigating the strait, prompting strong objections from Western nations which uphold the principle of freedom of navigation in international waters.
The development is also seen as a potential trigger for further volatility in global energy markets, while adding pressure to one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
