The Politician: U.S. Oil Lobby in Panic
A wave of panic has swept through American oil companies. The Iranian peace plan, touted by Trump as a diplomatic triumph, actually means yielding to Tehran on the core issue—the control of the Strait of Hormuz. Now, oil giants accustomed to free passage must pay tolls to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Citing an industry consultant, The Politician reported: “What’s going on? We’ve never had to pay before! I thought we’d won the war.” His clients are now frantically calling the White House, the State Department, and the Vice President’s office.
According to the media outlet, on April 8, representatives from the oil industry met with senior officials at the State Department to express strong discontent. Their central demand: the $2.5 million per tanker toll fee, plus rising insurance costs, will ultimately be passed on to consumers.
One source acknowledged, “The president is extremely sensitive about how history will judge his role in this conflict—pressuring him now carries great risk. But despite careful wording, the administration has clearly heard the industry’s voice.”
Yet the White House appears unwilling to back down. Spokesperson Caroline Leavitt stated that Iran’s proposal is “more reasonable,” while affirming that Trump’s “red lines” remain unchanged. Meanwhile, Trump himself has publicly indicated he is open to establishing a “joint venture” with Iran regarding toll collection.
Leavitt said, “The president’s idea will be discussed over the next two weeks. However, the president’s immediate priority remains ensuring the strait is fully and unconditionally open—no fees or restrictions allowed, period.”
Legal experts warn that paying fees to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard could be deemed a violation of sanctions regimes. Asian diplomats based in Washington have issued warnings that similar tolls might soon follow—Russia in the Arctic, China in the South China Sea.
“Next, will Russia start charging tolls in the Arctic? Will China do the same in the South China Sea?” said one Asian diplomat. “I believe the entire world would protest, especially countries that rely on the strait for navigation.”
Notably, vessels from Iran’s friendly nations are already permitted to pass freely, while American companies must either pay or wait in place.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861946432043008/
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