US President Donald Trump announced on 20/6 that there would be no transit fees through the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing 60-day ceasefire. However, he stated that if a final agreement is not reached, the US could impose such fees to serve its interests. This declaration came after Iran announced its intention to close the vital waterway, citing continued Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon, which it claims violate a prior agreement between the US and Iran.
Trump explained that any transit fees, if implemented, would compensate the US for services it provides as a "guardian angel" to Middle Eastern nations. These fees would aim to recover "past, present, and future" costs incurred by the US in the region. This stance directly contradicts Iran's position, as Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf stated on 17/6 that Iran would collect fees from vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz after the 60-day period, as outlined in the memorandum with the US.
A key unresolved issue in the recently signed memorandum between the US and Iran is the question of Tehran's control over the Strait of Hormuz. The agreement stipulates that vessels will enjoy free passage through this waterway for 60 days while Iran and Gulf nations negotiate a new accord regarding the strait. This implies that Tehran might be allowed to impose transit fees after this initial period, a point of contention with the US.
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US President Donald Trump speaking at Joint Base Andrews on 19/6. Photo: AP
Trump has consistently maintained that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open and free for international shipping after any cessation of hostilities. He reiterated this week that there would be no transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz, either during or after the 60-day period, unless imposed by the US.
In response to Iran's closure announcement, US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees US military operations in the Middle East, asserted that Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz and that cargo ships continue to navigate the strait without interruption. Colonel Tim Hawkins, a CENTCOM spokesperson, confirmed, "US forces are monitoring the situation to ensure that continues."
CENTCOM also reported in an earlier social media post that on 20/6, vessels continued to move safely through the Strait of Hormuz, transporting large quantities of goods and over 17 million barrels of oil to global markets. CENTCOM emphasized, "US forces remain present and vigilant to ensure all aspects of the agreement with Iran are adhered to, enforced, and fully effective." This vital shipping lane typically handles approximately 20% of the global oil and gas supply during peacetime, but was almost completely blockaded by Iran after the recent conflict erupted.
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Location of the Strait of Hormuz. Graphic: Guardian
Amid these tensions, negotiations between the US and Iran are underway in Switzerland. Iranian media reported on 20/6 that the country's delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf, arrived in Zurich for talks expected to be held at the Burgenstock mountain resort. US Vice President JD Vance also departed Joint Base Andrews on the afternoon of 20/6 to participate in the dialogue. Vance stated his top priorities for the talks include establishing a negotiation structure, making progress on the nuclear issue, and securing a ceasefire in Lebanon.
By Pham Giang (According to CNN, AFP)
