Trump: Iran better stop immediately if collecting fees for Strait of Hormuz passage

Reuters reported that Trump posted on his social media platform "Truth Social": "Reports are that Iran is charging tolls to ships going through the Strait of Hormuz. They better not be doing that, and if they are, they better stop immediately." Earlier media reports suggested Iran might intend to charge transit fees to vessels. Western leaders oppose paying any such fees. The Financial Times yesterday quoted Hamid Hosseini, spokesperson for Iran's "Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Exporters Union," as saying that Iran would demand payment in cryptocurrency to maintain control of the Strait of Hormuz during a two-week ceasefire with the United States. Trump said in another post today: "You will see oil start flowing, whether with or without Iran's help." But he did not elaborate. The United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28. Iran then launched retaliatory airstrikes against Israel and Persian Gulf countries with US military bases. This war has driven up oil prices and shaken global markets. US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran and Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed thousands and displaced millions. Trump, who previously threatened to destroy Iran's entire civilization, announced a ceasefire with Iran on April 7. Under the fragile ceasefire, ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz today remained far below 10% of normal levels, and Tehran authorities warned vessels to follow Iranian territorial waters for navigation to assert control. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas transport. This war has brought shipping in the Strait of Hormuz to an almost complete halt. (Compiled by Lu Ying-tzu) 1150410