Washington: US President Donald Trump has withdrawn his decision to impose a 20 per cent transit charge on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, less than 24 hours after announcing the measure.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he decided to reverse the proposal following discussions with leaders from the Middle East. He added that, instead of the levy, Gulf countries would make large-scale investments in the United States, which he claimed would create millions of jobs.
Trump had announced on Monday that all cargo ships using the Strait of Hormuz would be subject to a 20 per cent transit fee, saying the US would provide security for the strategic waterway. The proposal drew criticism from several countries.
Iran also reacted to the announcement, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi saying that while maritime security should be compensated, a 20 per cent charge was excessive. He remarked that Iran had long played a role in securing the route and would charge a “reasonable” fee.
The reversal comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces recently carried out strikes on multiple Iranian military installations, including targets in Bushehr, Chabahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa and Bandar Abbas. CENTCOM also said attacks were carried out on submarine and naval maintenance facilities in Bandar Abbas, targeting Iran’s naval capabilities.
Meanwhile, reports have claimed that a Russian Tu-214PU special command aircraft arrived in Tehran during the escalating regional tensions. The aircraft is designed to function as an airborne command centre for Russia’s leadership during major military or nuclear emergencies.
