According to a report by Al Jazeera on May 21, 2026, President Donald Trump has stated that the United States wants the Strait of Hormuz to remain open and free of any toll charges after Iran proposed introducing fees for vessels passing through the strategic waterway. He made the remarks while speaking to reporters at the White House, noting that Washington is currently reviewing the proposal.
Trump emphasized the importance of the Strait of Hormuz as an international shipping passage, especially for global energy supplies. He said the U.S. maintains strong control of the area through its naval presence and operations, which he described as highly effective in ensuring safe passage. According to him, the American-led efforts have prevented disruptions in the waterway and maintained stability for commercial shipping activities passing through the region.
Addressing Iran’s proposal directly, Trump said, “We’re looking at it.” He also rejected the idea of imposing charges on vessels, stressing that the waterway should remain open to all nations without restrictions or fees. He further stated, “We want it free, we don’t want tolls. It’s international, it’s an international waterway,” reinforcing Washington’s position that the Strait of Hormuz serves as a global maritime route rather than a controlled national asset….Read_More…