Iran Moves Toward Strait of Hormuz Tolls as Trump Faces Reality Check

[Anchor]

Iran and Oman are fleshing out plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. However, it is increasingly likely that vessel tolls will be imposed in some form. U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been boasting that the war will end soon, now faces the practical challenges of soaring oil prices and weapons shortages.

Reporting by Kim Yongtae.

[Reporter]

Iran and Oman are discussing a plan in which navigation through the Strait of Hormuz would initially use northern routes on the Iranian side and southern routes on the Omani side for a certain period, after which all vessels would travel through the central route of the strait, according to Iran's Fars News Agency.

Reports also quoted an Iranian government official as saying that Iran will be involved with incoming and outgoing vessels and will set toll fees under the guise of service costs.

Additionally, the Iranian parliament is reviewing a bill that would completely ban vessels from hostile nations, such as the United States and Israel, from navigating the strait.

The measures also include banning passage for countries or individuals that have caused damage to Iran until they pay compensation.

International oil prices rose again following this news.

[Jonathan / California, U.S.:] Gas prices are so expensive that I carpool with a friend. To save on gas, we take one car instead of two.

President Trump, who had claimed the war would end soon and the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened, has also become somewhat cautious.

[Donald Trump / U.S. President:] (Has an agreement been reached on reopening the Strait of Hormuz?) I wouldn't say an agreement has been reached. It's somewhat open right now.

He also acknowledged that supplies for some weapons are not sufficient.

[Donald Trump / U.S. President:] We have virtually unlimited amounts of very powerful ammunition. There are some ammunitions where the supply is a bit limited.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, head of Iran's negotiating team, mocked President Trump, stating that he endlessly repeats the cycle of an imminent large-scale attack followed by a sudden cancellation. Meanwhile, shipping associations have called on the United Nations and the International Maritime Organization to intervene, warning that Iran's move to impose tolls would set a dangerous precedent.

(Video Editing: Lee Seung-yeol, Design: Seo Seung-hyun)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.