President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tolls on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz following conflicting claims over the control of the strategic waterway amid tensions involving Iran and Israel. The dispute arises shortly after a 14-point agreement signed on Wednesday between Trump and Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, designed to manage the ceasefire in Lebanon and ensure the safe passage of ships through the strait.

Iran declared it had closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to what it described as Israel’s “relentless violation” of the ceasefire agreement. However, the U.S. Central Command contradicted this assertion, reporting that the strait remained open and that 55 ships had successfully passed through the waterway. The difference in accounts has raised concerns over the stability of regional security and the viability of ongoing peace negotiations scheduled to proceed shortly.

The signed agreement stipulated that Iran would guarantee the safe passage of vessels through the strait "with no charge" for an initial 60-day period, during which further regional dialogue was to take place. On his Truth Social platform, President Trump did not directly address Iran’s claim about closing the strait but reaffirmed his warning that the United States could begin charging tolls on ships passing through once the ceasefire period ended if Tehran failed to comply with the agreement.

Trump articulated that no tolls would be imposed during the agreed ceasefire timeframe but suggested levies could be introduced thereafter, describing the U.S. role as a “Guardian Angel” safeguarding Middle Eastern countries and hinting at reimbursement for “services rendered” in the past, present, and future. This statement underscores Washington’s intent to assert influence over one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints and signals a potential escalation if diplomatic efforts falter.

The evolving situation highlights persistent tensions in the Gulf region, where Iran’s strategic control over the Strait of Hormuz—a passage responsible for roughly 20% of global oil shipments—remains a focal point of international security concerns. Both American and Iranian officials remain engaged in talks amid mutual accusations, with the stability of the waterway hanging in the balance ahead of proposed peace negotiations.