Trump Rejects Iranian Tolls on Strait of Hormuz Shipping; Asserts Blockade Success
President Trump rejects reported Iranian plans for Strait of Hormuz shipping fees as U.S. naval blockade tightens.
In remarks delivered on May 22, 2026, President Donald Trump dismissed reports that Iran is seeking to impose transit fees on commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Stressing that the strait is an international waterway, Trump stated that the United States does not recognize the validity of such tolls. He further characterized the current U.S. military posture as one of total dominance, claiming that the U.S. has effectively defeated Iran militarily and is maintaining a strict naval blockade that prevents any unauthorized movement in or out of Iranian harbors.
The President also addressed the status of Iran's nuclear program, asserting that the U.S. would take possession of and likely destroy any remaining stockpiles of highly enriched uranium. These comments come amid reports that Tehran has reached out to intermediaries in Oman to explore the possibility of shifting its strategy from military confrontation to economic coercion by taxing the world’s most critical energy corridor.
The rhetorical escalation follows a period of intense military activity. Recent reports from Air University indicate that in the early stages of the conflict, U.S. forces struck over 5,000 targets across Iran, including the historic B-2 strike on the Fordow and Natanz nuclear facilities in June 2025. While negotiations are reportedly ongoing, the White House maintains a policy of maximum pressure to ensure Iran never acquires nuclear weaponry.
Key Points
- President Trump rejected Iranian plans to impose transit tolls on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, labeling it an international waterway.
- The U.S. President claimed a naval blockade of Iranian ports is being executed 'extremely effectively,' asserting no vessel enters or leaves without U.S. approval.
- Trump stated that the U.S. would likely 'destroy' any seized stockpiles of Iranian highly enriched uranium.
- Intelligence reports indicate Tehran has contacted Oman to discuss formalizing a fee regime for shipping through the strategic maritime chokepoint.
- Recent military analysis highlights the scale of the conflict, noting over 5,000 targets were struck within the first ten days of the air campaign.