Iranian Foreign Minister: "Trump Is Right About Hormuz Toll, But 20% Is Too High"

As U.S. President Donald Trump declared that he would collect 20% of the value of cargo transported through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for protecting vessels, Iran has responded by reiterating its own plan to collect transit fees.

Critics point out that Iran appears to be using President Trump's remarks as a pretext to justify its de facto toll collection policy, which contradicts international law.

On July 14 (local time), Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on X (formerly Twitter), "The U.S. President is absolutely right. If anyone guarantees safe passage for merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz, they should be compensated for this service."

Minister Araghchi added, "Iran has always been the guardian of this strait and will remain so forever," while noting, "Of course, 20% is too much. We (Iran) will be fair."

By explicitly expressing its intent to collect a "service fee" in the nature of a toll, Iran—which effectively controls the Strait of Hormuz—has also indirectly mocked the U.S. by suggesting it would set a lower rate than the one proposed by Washington.

Previously, on July 13, President Trump announced on his social media platform, Truth Social, that the U.S. military would collect 20% of the value of cargo loaded on civilian ships in exchange for ensuring their safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.