Trump warns Iran over alleged 'charge fees' in Strait Of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Iran over allegations that it is collecting charge fees from oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, calling for the practice to be stopped immediately.

In a post cited by NBC News on Thursday (April 9), Trump said he had heard reports that Iran was charging “fees” or “payments” from vessels transiting the strategic waterway, and insisted that any such activity must end at once.

“If that is happening, it should stop immediately,” Trump said in his remarks on social media.

The comments came shortly after reports of a temporary de-escalation between the United States and Iran. Trump had earlier suggested that Washington could pause military operations if Iran helped ensure safe and normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route.

The Strait carries around 20 per cent of the world’s oil shipments, making it one of the most sensitive chokepoints in global energy trade.

International media reports have also suggested that Iran may be considering collecting transit-related fees from shipping companies, potentially including cryptocurrency-based payments, though Tehran has not issued any official confirmation.

In a separate statement, Trump reiterated that Iran would not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons under his leadership, adding that efforts were underway to stabilize global oil flows “with or without Iran’s cooperation.”