Trump Floats US Hormuz Tolls After 60 Days as Ceasefire MOU Shows New Strain
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jun 20
Trump Floats US Hormuz Tolls After 60 Days as Ceasefire MOU Shows New Strain
3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jun 20
Summary
Trump said there would be no Strait of Hormuz tolls during the 60-day ceasefire period, but said the US could impose them afterward if a broader deal fails.
In a Truth Social post, he framed any future charge as reimbursement for US "Guardian Angel" services, a shift from his earlier call for the waterway to remain permanently toll-free.
The remark landed as the ceasefire memorandum came under pressure: Iran's joint military command said it had closed the strait over a "clear breach," while CENTCOM said shipping was still moving.
Nearly 20% of global oil and gas and about 30% of fertilizer trade pass through Hormuz, making any dispute over access or fees a major risk to fuel and farm markets.
Switzerland is due to host follow-up talks on Sunday with Iranian and US delegations, but Israeli operations in Lebanon and arguments over implementing the initial memorandum are already clouding the negotiations.
Can Pakistan's diplomacy prevent the US-Iran ceasefire from triggering a new global energy crisis?
With fighting in Lebanon raging despite a truce, is a wider Middle East war now inevitable?
60 Days to Peace? Inside the Islamabad Memorandum and the Future of US-Iran Relations
Overview
The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, reached between the United States and Iran on June 19-20, 2026, marks a significant step toward halting ongoing conflict. This preliminary agreement triggered immediate diplomatic activity and strong reactions, with Iran’s chief negotiator declaring it a victory and a sign of US failure. The deal’s announcement led to both international praise and domestic challenges, especially in the US, where political opposition is strong. While the memorandum aims to stop the war and set the stage for further negotiations, its durability remains uncertain, as key details and regional issues are yet to be resolved.