Former President Donald Trump said that no person or entity should be permitted to charge a fee for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz [1].
The statement addresses one of the world's most strategic maritime chokepoints. Because the strait is a primary route for global oil shipments, any restriction or cost associated with its passage could impact international energy prices and global trade stability.
Trump made the comment on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 [1]. He focused on the principle of open access to the waterway, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
"No one should be able to charge a fee for the Strait of Hormuz," Trump said [1].
The Strait of Hormuz is characterized by its narrow width, making it a frequent point of geopolitical tension. The legal status of the waterway is often debated between coastal states and international shipping interests, a tension that often involves U.S. naval presence to ensure the free flow of commerce.
Trump did not specify which entity he believed might attempt to levy such fees or provide a detailed policy plan for enforcement. He said that the waterway should remain open without financial tolls [1].
“"No one should be able to charge a fee for the Strait of Hormuz."”
This position aligns with a traditional U.S. foreign policy goal of ensuring 'freedom of navigation' in international straits. By opposing passage fees, Trump is signaling a preference for unrestricted maritime commerce, which is intended to prevent regional powers from using the strait as economic leverage over global energy markets.
