Trump Warns Iran Over Strait of Hormuz Tanker Charges

U.S. President Donald Trump on April 9, 2026, warned Iran to cease reports that it is charging fees for commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The warning comes amid a fragile two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, which was established on the condition of the complete and safe reopening of the strategic waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow 34-kilometer channel between Iran and Oman that serves as the only sea link between the Gulf and the Indian Ocean. It is a critical energy corridor, facilitating the transit of approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply.

President Trump issued the warning via a post on Truth Social, stating that if reports of these fees are accurate, Tehran better stop now. He further described Iran’s conduct regarding maritime traffic as dishonourable and claimed the country was doing a very poor job of managing the waterway.

Ceasefire Conditions and Maritime Disruptions

The current tension follows a ceasefire agreement announced by the White House on April 8, 2026. President Trump had stated that the U.S. Would agree to a two-week suspension of hostilities against the Islamic Republic provided that Iran ensured the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite the agreement, maritime traffic remains significantly throttled. Before the conflict began on February 28, 2026, between 130 and 140 vessels typically transited the strait daily. However, data from the firm Kpler indicates a sharp slowdown; on April 9, 2026, only four tankers and three bulk carriers were recorded transiting the strait.

The total number of vessels to pass through the strait since the ceasefire began is estimated at at least 12, though this figure may be higher if some ships operated without transmitting location signals.

Reported Toll Fees and Payment Methods

The U.S. Administration’s opposition centers on reports that Iran has sought to impose toll fees on commercial ships as part of ceasefire arrangements. According to reports from the Financial Times, Iran is planning to require shipping firms to pay these fees using cryptocurrency or yuan.

The White House emphasized that such transit fees could violate international maritime norms and disrupt global trade. The reported move to use cryptocurrency or yuan has caused concern among shipping interests and Gulf states, further complicating the effort to reopen the oil export route.

We find 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!

President DONALD J. TRUMP

Regional Instability and Energy Impacts

The stability of the ceasefire is under further pressure following a reported drone attack against Kuwait after the agreement was reached. Gulf nations are currently seeking clarification on the provisions of the ceasefire to ensure Iran’s full commitment to the cessation of hostilities and the unconditional reopening of the strait.

The disruption in the energy corridor has had immediate global economic implications. U.S. Oil prices slipped below $100 as the demand for the reopening of the strait intensified. In response to the energy crunch caused by frozen traffic, Japan has moved to release more oil.

In a follow-up post on Truth Social, President Trump asserted that oil would begin flowing with or without the help of Iran and claimed that his actions have ensured Iran will never possess a nuclear weapon.