Trump reverses controversial toll plan for Strait of Hormuz amid conflict with Iran

Trump abandoned a proposed 20% toll on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz after intense backlash, revealing the difficulties of ending the war with Iran. The reversal came less than 24 hours after the announcement.

The toll proposal and its collapse

On Monday, Trump announced that the US would impose a 20% fee on all cargo transiting the strait, claiming compensation for security costs. By Tuesday, he replaced it with "commercial and investment agreements" with Gulf states Source: lavanguardia. The IMO immediately stated there is "no legal basis" for such tolls Source: hoydo. Brazilian President Lula called the idea "piracy" Source: euronewses.

Escalating military conflict

Meanwhile, the US and Iran resumed hostilities. The US bombed ports like Bandar Abbas and Bushehr, while Iran attacked tankers, killing an Indian crew member Source: clarin. Iran's Guardia Revolucionaria closed the strait, and the US Navy has reimposed a blockade on Iranian ships, but experts say reopening the waterway fully would require a massive ground force Source: listindiario.

Expert analysis

Analysts note that Iran has prepared for asymmetric warfare and can continue disrupting traffic. "Iran has been preparing for this type of asymmetric conflict for decades," said Jason Campbell Source: listindiario. The conflict risks becoming a "war of attrition" with no end in sight Source: elnacionalve.