President Donald Trump said no tolls or fees will be imposed on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz during a temporary cease-fire with Iran [1].
The announcement comes as the U.S. navigates a fragile truce with Tehran. Because the Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, any disruption or new cost of passage could trigger volatility in international energy markets.
Trump posted the statement on his Truth Social account on Saturday, June 20, 2026 [2]. He said that no passage fees would be levied during the period of negotiations [3]. Some reports indicate this fee waiver is intended to last for a 60-day period during the cease-fire [4].
While the president committed to no fees during the truce, he maintained that the U.S. retains the right to levy charges if it serves American interests [5]. This creates a distinction between the current diplomatic window and future policy. Trump said no transit fees would be imposed unless the United States decides to implement them for its own benefit [5].
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most sensitive maritime corridors in the world. By removing the threat of U.S.-imposed tolls during the current window, the administration aims to stabilize the region while keeping economic leverage available for later use.
Conflicting reports exist regarding the long-term timeline for these fees. Some sources suggest that fees will not be imposed specifically after the 60-day window [4], while others indicate that any future fees would be contingent solely on whether they benefit Washington [5].
“No transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz except for the benefit of Washington”
This move suggests the U.S. is using the absence of maritime fees as a diplomatic carrot to maintain the current cease-fire with Iran. However, by explicitly reserving the right to impose fees for 'U.S. benefit,' the administration is signaling that economic pressure remains a tool of statecraft that can be reactivated if negotiations fail or if strategic interests shift.
