Foreign minister responds to Trump’s proposal on shipping fees
TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that Iran will continue to serve as the “guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz, responding to remarks by US President Donald Trump regarding security and transit fees in the strategically important waterway.
In a post on X, Araghchi said countries or parties that ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz should receive compensation for providing that service.
He added that Iran has historically protected navigation through the strait and pledged that the country would continue to perform that role in the future.
Araghchi also reacted to Trump’s suggestion of imposing a 20 percent fee on ships using the waterway, saying such a rate would be excessive while adding that any approach should be “fair.”
Maritime dispute deepens regional tensions
Earlier on Monday, President Trump announced that the United States intended to enforce a blockade against Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and proposed charging commercial vessels a 20 percent toll for secure passage through the vital maritime corridor.
The exchange of statements comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to rise over control and security of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.
Meanwhile, military exchanges between the two countries have continued despite a Pakistan-mediated Memorandum of Understanding intended to halt hostilities and create a framework for a broader peace agreement.
The renewed disagreement over maritime security has added uncertainty to diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing regional tensions. Analysts continue to monitor developments closely, as any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could affect global energy markets and international shipping.
Neither side has indicated that negotiations under the existing framework have formally ended, although recent military actions and competing claims over the strategic waterway have increased pressure on the already fragile diplomatic process.
