By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump on Friday has accused Iran of not honoring a ceasefire understanding, alleged that oil movement through the Strait of Hormuz is being slowed and may even be subject to charges.
He warned Tehran against introducing any such fees for passing tankers.
Trump raised fresh concerns over oil movement in the Strait of Hormuz, warned Iran against possible tanker charges as uncertainty grows around the ceasefire and global energy routes.
Trump in a post on social media, said Iran was doing a “very poor job” of allowing oil to pass through the strait and claimed the current situation was not what had been agreed.
“Iran is doing a very poor job, dishonorable some would say, of allowing Oil to go through the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump said, adding: “That is not the agreement we have!”
His remarks came at a time when only a limited number of vessels have reportedly used the route since the truce, raising fresh concerns over global energy flows.
Trump reacted strongly to reports suggesting Iran could be levying transit charges.
“There are reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers going through the Hormuz Strait,” he said, adding: “They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now!”
The comments highlighted growing unease over the implementation of the truce, particularly around maritime access. While Trump did not outline any immediate US response, his statement suggests tensions remain far from settled.
Iran has said that shipping through the strait is still possible under specific conditions.
The foreign minister noted that vessels would be allowed passage if coordinated with Iran’s military and in line with what he described as “technical limitations”. Observers say this position is largely in line with Tehran’s earlier stance before the ceasefire.
Trump also hit back at criticism from The Wall Street Journal, which had questioned his claims of success. Dismissing the report, he insisted there was nothing premature about calling the situation a victory and reiterated his position that Iran would never acquire a nuclear weapon.
“Actually, it is a Victory, and there’s nothing ‘premature’ about it! Because of me, IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON and, very quickly, you’ll see Oil start flowing, with or without the help of Iran and, to me, it makes no difference, either way.”
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important routes for oil transport worldwide. A huge share of the world’s oil moves through this narrow stretch of water, which is why it matters so much for energy security.
If things slow down or stop here, the impact spreads quickly.
India, which run largely on imported oil, the impact is felt almost instantly. Prices can climb, supplies can tighten, and that pressure often trickles down to inflation and the broader economy.
The latest exchange shows is simple: even if a ceasefire is in place on paper, the real issues around who controls and uses the Strait of Hormuz are still far from settled. And that uncertainty is enough to keep global markets a little nervous.
