U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that he is considering a plan to jointly collect tolls with Iran at the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world's oil shipments pass. This is interpreted as a reversal of his position, as he had previously argued that Iran's toll collection efforts should be deemed illegal and that the entire world should oppose them together, only to change his stance once negotiations were established.
ABC reporter Jonathan Karl posted on his X (formerly Twitter) on the 8th (local time), introducing President Trump's remarks from a phone call that day. Karl explained, "When I asked President Trump whether it was okay for Iran to impose tolls on all ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, President Trump said 'the U.S. and Iran could collect tolls as a joint operation.'" According to Karl, President Trump stated, "We are thinking about doing this as a joint venture," adding that "this could be a way to protect the strait from various other forces." President Trump also added, "That would be really beautiful."
The U.S. and Iran abruptly agreed to a two-week ceasefire the day before. It is reported that the peace proposal Iran presented to the U.S. included provisions for collecting tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz and using the proceeds for reconstruction projects. President Trump also wrote on his social network service Truth Social, "The U.S. will help ease traffic congestion in the Strait of Hormuz," adding "there will be many positive measures and great profits will be generated." This passage reads as an indication of his willingness to partially accept Iran's demands regarding Strait of Hormuz operations.
President Trump's vision contradicts the official U.S. position prior to the ceasefire agreement. In fact, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as recently as the 27th of last month, met with reporters after a meeting with G7 foreign ministers near Paris, France, and pointed out, "Iran may try to introduce a toll collection system for the Strait of Hormuz," stating "this is not only illegal but unacceptable and dangerous to the entire world." Secretary Rubio emphasized at the time, "It is important for the entire world to develop a plan to counter this," adding "the United States is ready to be part of that plan."