Trump Scraps Hormuz Tariff, Iran Insists Strait Remains a Red Line

A spokesman for Iran’s highest military command has asserted that the United States has no right to interfere in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran considers the strategic shipping lane a vital national interest that must not be disrupted by any party. According to the military statement, the Strait of Hormuz is a red line for Iran, and the country will not allow Washington to take any action deemed to disturb or alter the status of the region. In addition to affirming its stance on the strait, the spokesman warned that Iran would respond firmly if the United States were to launch an attack on Iranian facilities or infrastructure, as previously threatened by President Donald Trump. He stressed that Tehran is prepared to retaliate by targeting various American interests and infrastructure located in the Middle East. Earlier, on Monday, President Trump had announced a plan to impose a 20 per cent fee on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as compensation for the United States’ role in maintaining the security of the international waterway. However, the plan lasted only one day. On Tuesday, Trump decided to scrap the policy after holding discussions with Gulf leaders. ‘They said we want to do it a different way,’ Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. He explained that the Gulf leaders proposed an alternative approach, pledging to significantly increase investment in the United States in lieu of Washington imposing transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Although expressing disappointment that the US had expended considerable effort securing the route without direct compensation, Trump accepted the proposal, noting that the promised investments from Arab nations would reach a substantial amount. The dispute over the Strait of Hormuz has long been a source of tension between Iran and the United States. Tehran seeks joint management of the shipping lane with Oman and plans to impose its own fees on passing vessels, though it has not disclosed the intended tariff rates. Meanwhile, a previously agreed memorandum of understanding on peace between the US and Iran did not contain explicit provisions regarding authority over the strait, leaving the issue unresolved. Tensions escalated further after Trump announced last week that the ceasefire between the two nations was no longer in effect, with both sides reportedly resuming attacks on one another and raising concerns over regional stability.