Former U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed reports claiming Iran collects toll fees from vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz as “fake news,” citing assurances from Tehran that no such charges — including insurance fees or other levies — are imposed on ships passing through the strategic waterway.
Threat to Halt Negotiations
In a detailed statement, Trump warned that if evidence emerges proving Iran’s denial is false, negotiations would end immediately: “Iran has informed the United States that, contrary to malicious fake news reports, no tolls, insurance fees, or any other charges of any kind are levied or collected by Iran on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. If this proves to be false, the negotiations will end immediately.”
No Funds Released to Iran
Trump also clarified that no financial assets belonging to Iran have been released by the U.S. government. He added that Washington plans to unblock a portion of Iranian funds — currently under full U.S. control — to purchase American agricultural goods, including corn, wheat, soybeans, and other commodities, for export to Iran.
According to Trump, there is an urgent need for food in Iran, and the U.S. would facilitate those purchases exclusively through American producers — specifically supporting U.S. farmers and ranchers.