Iran moves toward transit charges as Trump says Hormuz reopens

Iran has signalled that it may introduce transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, even as US President Donald Trump claimed that commercial shipping through the key oil route has resumed following a peace understanding with Tehran.

In a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday, Trump said oil tankers were again moving through the Strait, describing the waterway as safe and secure and suggesting that vessels were using an alternative southern route, reports Al Jazeera.

“Ships are moving again. Many are carrying oil out through the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump wrote, without providing independent verification of the claim. He said the arrangement formed part of a broader peace deal with Iran.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, had seen severe disruption during months of conflict, with shipping flows widely affected.

Maritime security sources, however, cautioned that a full return to normal operations could take weeks or even months. Reports indicate that mine clearance operations, if required, may involve specialised naval units and underwater drones, potentially delaying full restoration of commercial traffic.

While the US administration projected confidence over reopening, Iran offered a different position on the future management of the waterway.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that the country may impose fees or charges on vessels transiting the Strait, citing environmental protection and maintenance costs.

He said the Strait remains a vital national asset and that Tehran, in coordination with Oman, is developing a structured mechanism for managing maritime passage.

“Our goal is to ensure safe passage through this waterway,” Baghaei said, adding that consultations with relevant parties were still ongoing.

US Vice President JD Vance, meanwhile, said Washington expects the Strait to remain open without tolls under any final arrangement, adding that the issue would be settled through negotiations.

The Strait of Hormuz, which carries a significant share of global energy trade, remains at the centre of diplomatic negotiations as both sides outline differing interpretations of the emerging agreement.