Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): Iran has sharply criticised US President Donald Trump’s proposal to impose a 20 per cent charge on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz, insisting that Tehran—not Washington—has long been responsible for safeguarding the strategically important waterway.
The latest war of words unfolded after Trump announced that the United States would assume the role of protecting commercial shipping in the Strait while introducing a levy on vessels to offset the cost of maritime security operations.
Responding on X, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi dismissed the US President’s claim that America would become the “guardian” of the Strait. He argued that Iran has historically ensured the security of the passage and would continue to do so in the future.
Araghchi remarked that while countries responsible for protecting international shipping could reasonably expect compensation, the proposed 20 per cent charge was far too high. He added that Iran’s approach would be “fair,” while reaffirming Tehran’s position as the legitimate protector of the vital maritime corridor.
Trump had earlier outlined his proposal on Truth Social, declaring that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open for global shipping despite mounting regional tensions. According to the US President, the planned restrictions would target only Iranian vessels and ships engaged in trade with Tehran, while allowing commercial traffic from other nations to pass uninterrupted.
He further argued that the proposed fee on cargo moving through the Strait was necessary to recover the expenses associated with maintaining security in one of the world’s busiest and most strategically significant sea lanes. Trump also said the initiative would be implemented immediately.
Tehran responded with a firm rejection of Washington’s claims, warning that it would not tolerate any foreign involvement in the administration or security of the Strait of Hormuz.
Brigadier General Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said the country would never allow the United States to interfere in the management of the waterway under any circumstances. His remarks underscored Iran’s long-standing position that control over the Strait remains a matter of national sovereignty.
The exchange comes as tensions between Tehran and Washington remain elevated following a series of military and diplomatic confrontations in recent weeks. With the Strait of Hormuz serving as a critical route for a substantial portion of the world’s oil shipments, any dispute over its security has significant implications for international trade, energy markets and regional stability.
Observers say the latest rhetoric highlights the growing geopolitical contest over one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, raising concerns about the potential impact of further escalation in the Gulf.
