President Donald Trump said the U.S. will charge tolls for vessels in the Strait of Hormuz if Iran does not reach a nuclear deal.
The threat leverages one of the world's most critical oil chokepoints to pressure Tehran into a finalized agreement. Because the waterway is essential for global energy markets, any disruption or new cost structure could impact international oil prices.
"We will begin charging tolls in the Strait of Hormuz if a final Iran deal is not reached in 60 days," Trump said [1]. The 60-day deadline serves as a strict window for the Iranian government to finalize terms of the nuclear agreement [1].
This escalation occurs alongside conflicting reports regarding the operational status of the waterway. While Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it has closed the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Central Command reported that 55 ships [2] carrying 17 million barrels of oil [2] have transited unhindered.
Diplomatic efforts are moving in parallel with these threats. Vice President JD Vance (R-OH) landed in Switzerland early Sunday for talks with Iranian officials. Vance is joined by special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner to negotiate the terms of the deal.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, remains a primary flashpoint for U.S.-Iran tensions. The administration's proposal to implement tolls represents a shift toward using direct economic levies on maritime transit as a diplomatic tool.
“"We will begin charging tolls in the Strait of Hormuz if a final Iran deal is not reached in 60 days,"”
The administration is employing a 'maximum pressure' strategy by targeting the economic viability of the Strait of Hormuz. By threatening tolls, the U.S. is attempting to create a financial incentive for Iran to concede to nuclear restrictions, while simultaneously challenging Iran's claims of control over the waterway to project U.S. naval dominance.
