Abbas Araghchi Responds to Trump’s Shipping Fee Proposal
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that Iran will continue to serve as the “guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz following US President Donald Trump’s proposal to impose fees on commercial shipping using the strategic waterway.
In a private post , Araghchi acknowledged Trump’s comments while defending Iran’s long-standing role in securing the vital maritime route.
He wrote, “POTUS (President of the US) is absolutely right. Whoever provides secure and safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz should be compensated for this service,”
Araghchi also stated, “Iran has always been the GUARDIAN of the Strait and will remain so FOREVER,”
Trump Proposes 20 Percent Shipping Toll
Earlier, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would blockade Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and introduce a 20 percent toll on ships passing through the waterway.
The proposal comes as the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil and natural gas exports. Consequently, any restrictions or additional charges could affect international trade and energy markets.
Responding to Trump’s proposal, Araghchi commented, “20 percent is of course too much. We will be fair.”
US-Iran Tensions Continue Despite Diplomatic Efforts
Relations between Washington and Tehran have remained tense despite ongoing diplomatic initiatives. Recent exchanges of military action have increased concerns about stability in the Gulf region.
Both countries had previously agreed to a Pakistan-mediated memorandum of understanding aimed at reducing hostilities and creating a path toward a lasting peace agreement.
However, recent developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz have renewed tensions between the two sides. As diplomatic discussions continue, the strategic waterway remains at the center of the dispute because of its importance to global energy supplies and international shipping.
