Trump Warns Iran Against Imposing Tolls in Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump warned Iran on April 9, 2026, that the continuation of a fragile ceasefire depends on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without the imposition of transit fees. The warning follows reports that Iran may seek to collect tolls from commercial ships passing through the critical energy chokepoint, potentially using cryptocurrency for payments.

The Strait of Hormuz, located in the Persian Gulf, is a vital waterway for global energy markets, with approximately 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas shipments passing through it. The waterway has been blockaded since the beginning of the Iran-U.S. War on February 28, 2026, leading to significant disruptions in global energy supplies.

Writing on Truth Social on April 9, 2026, President Trump addressed reports that Iran was charging tankers to pass through the strait. Notice reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers going through the Hormuz Strait — They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now! he wrote.

Ceasefire and Diplomatic Tensions

The warnings come as more than 300 commercial ships await passage through the strait. While a two-week ceasefire was agreed upon, the status of the waterway remains a point of contention. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the head of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and an Emirati politician, stated that the Strait of Hormuz is not open.

In an interview with NBC News, President Trump expressed optimism that a peace deal with Iran is within reach. He noted that Iranian leaders are more reasonable in meetings than they are when speaking to the press, claiming they are agreeing to necessary terms. However, he cautioned that if a deal is not reached, the outcome will be very painful for Iran, asserting that the country has no military and has been conquered.

Simultaneously, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, released a statement via state-run television. Khamenei teased a new era for the strait, though he provided few specific details. He stated that Iran is not seeking war but will not forfeit its rights, and described all resistance fronts as a unified entity.

We are still awaiting an appropriate reaction from our southern neighbors so that we can show you our brotherhood.

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei

Impact of the Iran-U.S. War

The conflict between the U.S., its allies, and Iran has resulted in thousands of casualties and the displacement of millions of people. The war has been characterized by U.S. And Israeli attacks on Iran, and Iranian strikes targeting Israel and U.S. Bases in the region.

The potential for Iran to impose cryptocurrency-based tolls has been met with opposition from Western leaders. Such a move would further complicate the recovery of global energy markets already severely impacted by the blockade of the strait since February 2026.

The current situation remains volatile as both sides navigate the terms of the ceasefire and the logistics of reopening one of the world’s most strategic maritime chokepoints.