US President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social on 24/6 that Iran informed the United States it would not impose tariffs, insurance fees, or any other charges on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The White House chief warned that if Iran failed to uphold these assurances, negotiations "would cease immediately." He clarified the US was not providing money to Iran nor releasing all of its frozen assets.
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US President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania on 23/6. *Photo: AP* |
"We will transfer a portion of their money, which is entirely under our control, to purchase corn, wheat, soybeans, and other agricultural products from American farmers and ranchers," President Trump said. He added, "Iran needs food, and we will buy food for them entirely from the United States."
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway, handling approximately 20% of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas. Conflicts between the United States and Israel with Iran erupted in late February, leading to the closure of this crucial route. Iran lifted the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following a joint memorandum signed with the United States on 17/6.
Iran has repeatedly stated its intention to collect maritime service fees from ships transiting the strait. This differs from transit fees, which international law prohibits. The United States strongly opposed Iran's plan.
Despite previous disputes, Iran and Oman announced on 23/6 they would study the costs from managing services in the Strait of Hormuz. This move reasserts their sovereignty over the waterway, as the narrowest and most crucial parts of the strait lie within their territorial waters.
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Location of Iran, Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz. *Graphics: Guardian* |
Further confirming the agreement, Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated the country would waive "maritime service fees" for ships passing through the strait for 60 days, as stipulated in the memorandum signed with the United States.
Tehran has not yet commented on Trump's statement.
By Ngoc Anh (AFP, Al Jazeera)
