[Anchor]

President Donald Trump, who had previously suggested imposing a 20% toll on the value of cargo for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, has changed his position in just one day. He stated that he would replace the toll with investment agreements with Middle Eastern nations. Meanwhile, the United States resumed its maritime blockade of Iran starting at 5:00 a.m. today, Korea Standard Time.

Gwak Sang-eun reports.

[Reporter]

President Donald Trump, who had said he would charge a 20% toll on the value of cargo in exchange for ensuring the safety of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, has reversed his position 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 those countries.

[Donald Trump/U.S. President: They said, 'Instead of charging a fee, we would like to make massive investments in the United States.' I actually like that, because I don't think anyone should be charging tolls for this strait or any other strait.]

Trump claimed that he changed his position 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.

As previously announced, the U.S. military resumed its maritime blockade of all Iranian ports and coastal areas starting at 5:00 a.m. today (July 15), Korea Standard Time.

The military also continued large-scale additional airstrikes targeting dozens of military facilities near the Strait of Hormuz and along the coast.

Iran immediately retaliated.

Targets included an airbase in Jordan used by the U.S. military, as well as U.S. logistics and support facilities in Kuwait.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned, "As long as America's evil acts continue, not a single drop of crude oil or gas will be exported," adding that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz would be further delayed.

Amidst the escalating tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, President Trump further intensified the pressure, stating that if an agreement to end the war is not reached by next week, he will target Iran's power plants and bridges as well.

Video by Lee Seung-yeol