Trump Suspends 20% Strait of Hormuz Fee, Shifts to Investment Deals

President Donald Trump announced the suspension of the 20% transit fee for ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz, just one day after its introduction. The fee has been replaced by commitments from Persian Gulf states to make direct investments in the United States, following what Trump described as 'very productive conversations' with Middle Eastern leaders. Source: elnacionalveSource: lavozar

What changed

Trump initially proposed the fee to cover the cost of naval protection for commercial vessels. However, after diplomatic negotiations, he declared on Truth Social: 'I have decided to replace the 20% US reimbursement rate with trade and investment agreements that the various Gulf States will make in the United States.' Source: lavozar The reversal eases tensions with allied nations but maintains a hard line against Iran.

The blockade remains

While the Strait is now open to all maritime traffic except Iranian-linked vessels, Trump emphasized a total blockade on ships arriving from or departing Iranian ports, or carrying Iranian cargo. He called Iran's leadership 'lying, violent, and malicious' and positioned himself as the 'guardian' of the vital oil route. Source: elnacionalveSource: lavozar

Iran's response

The Iranian military responded defiantly, vowing not to yield 'an inch' in defending its sovereignty over the Strait. This rhetoric comes amid ongoing armed clashes in the Persian Gulf that have effectively ended the ceasefire agreed upon in the June 17 memorandum of understanding. Source: elnacionalveSource: lavozar The standoff keeps global energy trade under threat.