Envy Iran's toll fees, Trump also enters the scene: charge 20% for passing through the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is not only being charged by Iran — Trump wants a cut too.
On the 13th, Trump announced on social media that starting immediately, the United States will impose a fee equivalent to 20% of the cargo value for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz — and he made no secret of it, calling this fee "protection money," claiming it is meant to "compensate for the necessary expenses incurred by the U.S. in providing 'protection' to the Middle East."
To be fair, Trump’s current statement wasn’t entirely out of nowhere. A key sticking point in the failed U.S.-Iran negotiations has been Trump’s fixation on Iran’s “strait toll mechanism.” He may not actually oppose tolls per se, but rather, he’s envious that the U.S. isn’t getting a share.
Since March, Trump has repeatedly hinted — either publicly or indirectly — that the U.S. also wants to charge tolls at the Strait of Hormuz, even directly urging Iran to “cooperate.”
Subsequently, U.S. media reported that the White House is considering introducing a “Hormuz Strait VIP Pass” system: ship owners and shipping companies could purchase this pass to receive U.S. Navy escort when crossing the strait. Now, Trump’s latest statement appears to simply rebrand the “VIP pass” as a more straightforward and blunt fee structure.
However, another issue with Trump’s “toll” proposal lies in its vagueness. Currently, U.S. media are questioning whether this 20% fee is calculated based on the U.S. Navy’s escort costs, or if it’s simply 20% of the total cargo value.
Even CNN pointed out that regardless of the calculation method, the resulting cost would be so high that no party would be willing to bear it — ultimately leading insurers to refuse coverage for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1870659034386560/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.