Strait of Hormuz Update: Trump warns of toll tax, Iran claims road closed, stir across the world

Tension between America and Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz has increased again. President Donald Trump has indicated that if the peace deal fails, America may collect toll tax on this sea route. At the same time, Iran has claimed to close this route, which has increased the concern of the whole world.

On June 20, 2026, President Trump wrote a post on Truth Social. He said no toll will be taken during the 60-day ceasefire of the new peace deal with Iran. But he warned that if a final agreement is not reached, the US will impose toll taxes on this route. Trump has described it as the expense of the services provided as ‘Guardian Angel’ to the countries of the Middle East.

On the same day, Iran’s joint military command announced that they had closed the Strait of Hormuz. Iran cited Israel’s attacks on Lebanon and America’s breaking of the ceasefire terms behind this.

America rejected this claim of Iran outright. Vice President JD Vance and US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that the sea route is open and the movement of ships is normal. CENTCOM spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins clearly said that Iran has no control over the Strait of Hormuz and the US military is monitoring there.

Amidst the tension, it was decided to resume technical level talks between the US and Iran in Switzerland on June 21, 2026. Pakistan and Qatar are playing the role of mediators in this conversation.

Earlier on June 19, 2026, Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) had issued new rules. Now vessels will have to obtain a permit to cross the route, follow designated routes and have insurance approved by PGSA. This step is being considered as an attempt by Iran to increase its control over this sea route.

Let us tell you that in the beginning of June, an agreement (MOU) was signed between America and Iran, in which it was said to keep this route toll-free and open for 60 days.