[Anchor]

U.S. President Donald Trump has reversed his position just one day after announcing a 20% toll on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The United States, which continued its pressure on Iran today (July 15), has also resumed a maritime blockade as of a short while ago.

Here is the report from Washington correspondent Jeon Byeong-nam.

[Reporter]

U.S. President Donald Trump, who had stated he would charge a 20% toll on the value of cargo as a fee for ensuring the safety of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, changed his stance after just one day.

He stated that he had "productive conversations with Middle Eastern leaders" and decided to replace the 20% toll with trade and investment agreements with Middle Eastern nations.

[Donald Trump/U.S. President: They said, 'We would rather make a massive investment in the United States instead of paying a fee.' I actually like that, because I don't think anyone should be charging a toll for this strait or any other strait.]

Trump claimed that his change of position was due to requests from Middle Eastern leaders, but analysts suggest he was mindful of opposition from Middle Eastern allies and criticism from the international shipping industry.

To the Iraqi Prime Minister who was present, he also remarked, "Iran is a burden to Iraq, and it will be removed soon."

Trump also announced that his address to the nation, scheduled for the day after tomorrow, will cover topics related to fair elections and voting machines.

[Donald Trump/U.S. President: It is a very important issue. Because if you don't have free and fair elections, you don't have a country.]

The United States resumed a maritime blockade on all of Iran's ports and coastal areas starting at 5:00 a.m. today, Korea Standard Time.

The U.S. Central Command stated that it conducted airstrikes targeting military facilities to neutralize Iran's military capabilities within the Strait of Hormuz.

(Video reporting: Park Eun-ha, Video editing: Jung Sung-hoon)