Trump says Tehran accepted fee-free shipping through Strait of Hormuz or talks would end

President Trump claimed that Iran had agreed not to levy tolls, insurance surcharges, or extra fees on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz
President Donald Trump said no sanctions-relief funds would go directly to Iran, adding that any released money would stay in US-supervised accounts for approved uses (Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump said no sanctions-relief funds would go directly to Iran, adding that any released money would stay in US-supervised accounts for approved uses (Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald J Trump has unveiled fresh details about his administration’s ongoing negotiations with Iran, insisting Tehran has formally agreed not to impose tolls, insurance surcharges, or additional fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.



Writing on Truth Social on Wednesday, June 24, Trump sought to push back against mounting criticism of the emerging US-Iran framework, which has faced scrutiny from lawmakers and foreign policy hawks over sanctions relief and access to frozen Iranian funds.

The president argued that unrestricted maritime access through one of the world’s most important shipping corridors represents a major concession from Tehran and a key component of the broader diplomatic process.

Trump outlines Hormuz shipping terms

Oil tankers and cargo ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz as seen from Mina Al Fajer, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, March 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
Even minor restrictions on vessel movement through Hormuz can influence shipping costs, insurance rates, and global crude benchmarks (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

“Iran has informed the US that there are ‘NO TOLLS, NO INSURANCE COSTS, & NO OTHER CHARGES,’” Trump wrote, dismissing media reports suggesting otherwise.

The statement comes after weeks of speculation regarding whether Tehran would seek new revenue streams from commercial vessels using the strategic waterway.

Concerns about additional shipping costs had raised questions among international traders and energy analysts monitoring the negotiations.

Trump warned that if reports about future charges prove accurate, ongoing discussions could immediately collapse.

The declaration signals the administration's effort to reassure global markets that commercial shipping will continue moving through the Persian Gulf without new financial barriers.

Funds remain under American control

MORRINSVILLE, NEW ZEALAND - APRIL 18:  A herd of cows make their way down the race to the milking sh
US farm exports have frequently been used in humanitarian trade arrangements because food transactions face fewer geopolitical restrictions (Getty Images)

The president also addressed concerns surrounding potential sanctions relief, insisting that no money would be directly handed over to the Iranian government.

According to Trump, any released funds would remain under US oversight and be placed in controlled accounts designed for specific humanitarian and commercial purposes.

He stated that the arrangement would allow purchases of agricultural products, including corn, wheat and soybeans, while preventing unrestricted access to cash.

The comments appear aimed at countering critics who argue that sanctions relief could strengthen Tehran economically before permanent agreements are finalized.

White House defends negotiation framework

US Vice President JD Vance stands prior to a quadrilateral meeting between the United States, Iran, Pakistan and Qatar at the Burgenstock luxury hotel complex overlooking Lake Lucerne, Switzerland, Sunday June 21, 2026. (Fabrice Coffrini/Keystone via AP)
Negotiators are still working through verification, sanctions, and compliance mechanisms before any long-term agreement can be finalized (Fabrice Coffrini/Keystone via AP)

Trump framed the arrangement as a balanced approach that combines economic safeguards with broader regional stability goals.

He emphasized that food shortages and humanitarian concerns inside Iran were part of the administration's calculations, while maintaining that strict controls would remain in place throughout the process.

The remarks underscore the White House's ongoing effort to defend the emerging agreement as negotiations continue.

With shipping access, sanctions relief, and nuclear oversight all under discussion, the administration faces growing pressure to convince both allies and domestic critics that the framework serves American interests while preserving stability across one of the world's most important energy corridors.

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