Trump warns Iran against charging ships as Tensions continue

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Iran against imposing fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions around the critical oil route continue to shake global energy markets.

In a post on Truth Social, Mr Trump said reports suggesting Iran plans to charge tankers for passage through the Strait were unacceptable, insisting such a move would further escalate an already volatile situation.

“There are reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers going through the Hormuz Strait,” he wrote, without providing additional details.

The comments come as the strategic waterway, responsible for about 20 per cent of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, remains heavily disrupted following weeks of conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

Although a temporary ceasefire was announced earlier this week, maritime traffic through the strait remains far below normal levels, with reports indicating volumes have dropped to less than 10 per cent of usual activity.

Iran has reportedly tightened its control over the route, warning vessels to remain within its territorial waters while navigating the corridor, a move seen by analysts as an assertion of dominance over one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.

The disruption has already sent shockwaves through global oil markets, driving up prices and raising concerns over prolonged supply instability.

Iran reportedly considers crypto toll system

Amid the uncertainty, reports suggest Tehran is exploring unconventional measures to maintain leverage over the strait. According to claims cited by the Financial Times, Iran may demand toll payments in cryptocurrency during the ceasefire period to regulate ship movement.

The proposal has drawn pushback from Western leaders, who have rejected the idea of paying fees to secure passage through international waters.

While Iranian authorities have not formally confirmed the policy, the mere suggestion underscores the shifting dynamics of economic and geopolitical power in the region.

The current crisis stems from a wave of military strikes that began on February 28, when U.S. and Israeli forces launched coordinated attacks on Iranian targets. Tehran responded with retaliatory strikes on Israel and Gulf states hosting U.S. military bases, escalating the conflict into a broader regional confrontation.

The fighting has resulted in widespread humanitarian and economic consequences, including thousands of casualties and significant displacement across affected areas.

Mr Trump, who announced the ceasefire earlier this week after previously issuing strong warnings against Iran, suggested that oil shipments would soon resume regardless of Tehran’s position.

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“You’ll see oil start flowing, with or without the help of Iran,” he said.

Global markets on edge as uncertainty lingers

Despite the ceasefire, uncertainty continues to dominate the outlook for global energy supply, with analysts warning that any renewed escalation could push oil prices even higher.

The near standstill in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz highlights the vulnerability of global supply chains to geopolitical shocks, particularly in regions that serve as critical transit routes for energy exports.

As diplomatic efforts struggle to stabilise the situation, the question of control over the strait, and whether Iran will attempt to monetise access remains a key flashpoint in an already fragile global landscape.