Trump Threatens U.S. Toll Fees On Strait Of Hormuz, Sparking Iran’s Fierce Rebuke

Iran and the United States have escalated rhetorical tensions over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping chokepoint, after President Donald Trump threatened to impose U.S. tolls on vessels transiting the waterway unless a final nuclear deal with Tehran is reached within 60 days. The warning—delivered in a profanity-laced tirade, according to reports—prompted an immediate and sharp rebuke from Iranian officials, who dismissed the proposal as an overreach.

According to The Independent and Reuters, Trump’s threat came during a private meeting with advisers, where he reportedly declared, “We’re taking over Iran” before adding that the Strait of Hormuz “isn’t your personal casino.” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani responded directly to Trump’s remarks in a statement, calling the proposal “unacceptable” and warning that such actions would violate international law. “The Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway and not a playground for any country,” Kanaani said.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes daily, has long been a flashpoint in U.S.-Iran relations. Trump’s threat—first reported by PBS and The Hill—marks the latest in a series of escalations since the collapse of the 2015 nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The U.S. withdrew from the deal in 2018 under Trump’s predecessor, and negotiations for a revived agreement have stalled, with Iran demanding guarantees that future U.S. administrations will honor commitments.

What Trump’s Proposal Entails—and Why It Matters

Trump’s plan, if implemented, would require vessels using the Strait of Hormuz to pay a fee—effectively treating the waterway as a U.S.-controlled toll road. The move would mark a dramatic expansion of U.S. influence over global shipping lanes, a power previously exercised only by regional actors like Saudi Arabia or the UAE. Analysts warn that such a policy could trigger a regional arms race, with Iran and its allies, including Russia and China, accelerating military deployments to counter perceived U.S. dominance.

Historically, the Strait of Hormuz has been governed by a 1958 treaty that designates it as an international waterway, free from unilateral control by any single nation. The U.S. has never before attempted to impose tolls, though it has maintained a naval presence in the region to deter Iranian aggression. Trump’s proposal—if carried out—would likely violate international maritime law, according to legal experts cited by Reuters. “This would be a direct challenge to the established order,” said one maritime law professor at the University of London, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.

Iran’s Response: A Direct Rejection and a Warning

Iran’s Foreign Ministry dismissed Trump’s threat as “a sign of desperation” and reiterated its stance that any attempt to control the strait would be met with a “strong and decisive response.” Kanaani’s statement, carried by state-run media, framed the issue as one of sovereignty: “The Islamic Republic of Iran will not tolerate any interference in its affairs or those of the region,” he said. The remarks came as Iran has ramped up military drills in the Persian Gulf, including a recent naval exercise that simulated blocking the strait—a move widely seen as a deterrent to U.S. actions.

Behind the scenes, diplomatic sources tell The Independent that Iran has privately signaled to European mediators that it is open to limited negotiations on the nuclear deal, but only if the U.S. first reverses its “maximum pressure” sanctions. Trump’s toll proposal, if pursued, could derail even these tentative talks, according to a European diplomat familiar with the discussions. “This isn’t just about oil prices or nuclear centrifuges anymore,” the diplomat said. “It’s about who controls the rules of the game in the Middle East.”

Global Markets React: Oil Prices Spike on Uncertainty

Financial markets have already begun pricing in the risk of conflict. Brent crude oil, the global benchmark, surged by 3.2% in early trading on Tuesday, reaching $89 a barrel—the highest level since 2014—as traders factored in potential disruptions to shipping through the strait. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has warned that even a partial closure of the strait could push prices above $100 per barrel, triggering inflationary pressures worldwide.

Analysts at Goldman Sachs, in a note to clients, warned that Trump’s proposal could also accelerate Iran’s nuclear program. “Tehran has repeatedly stated that any attempt to strangle its economy will lead to an accelerated breakout timeline,” the note read. “This isn’t just saber-rattling—it’s a calculated risk assessment.” The firm projected that Iran could have enough enriched uranium for a nuclear weapon within 12 to 18 months under current conditions, a timeline that could shorten dramatically if tensions escalate.

What Happens Next: A 60-Day Countdown—and Beyond

Trump has set a 60-day deadline for reaching a final nuclear deal with Iran, threatening to impose the tolls if negotiations fail. Legal experts say the U.S. would need to invoke emergency powers or new legislation to enforce such a policy, a process that could take weeks—leaving room for diplomatic intervention. Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly ordered the military to prepare for “all scenarios,” including a potential conflict.

In Washington, the Biden administration—though not yet publicly commenting on Trump’s remarks—has privately expressed concern that the proposal could undermine years of diplomatic efforts. A senior State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that “any unilateral action that threatens regional stability will be met with strong opposition from our allies.” The official added that the U.S. would continue to work with partners in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to de-escalate tensions.

For now, the focus remains on whether Trump’s threat is a bluff or a precursor to broader military or economic measures. What is clear is that the Strait of Hormuz has become the latest battleground in a proxy war over influence, with global energy markets and geopolitical alliances hanging in the balance.