U.S. President Donald Trump said he would "help with the traffic jam at the Strait of Hormuz," adding that "there will be a lot of positive action and big revenue will be created."
Trump wrote on Truth Social on Thursday (local time) that "Iran will be able to begin the rebuilding process." He also said, "We will just stay, loaded up with all kinds of supplies, to make sure everything goes well." He emphasized that "this can be a golden age for the Middle East, just as we are experiencing in America."
Trump's references to "helping clear the traffic jam" and "big revenue" have prompted speculation that he may be signaling acceptance of toll collection at the strait. His remark that "Iran will be able to begin the rebuilding process" is also being read as suggesting that toll revenue could be used to fund Iran's reconstruction. Markets are also noting Trump's comments at a press conference on May 6, when he said, "How about the United States charging a toll for the Strait of Hormuz? We're the winner."