President Donald Trump is demanding unrestricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz for oil tankers and commercial vessels, with no fees or other barriers, according to White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt.
Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Leavitt outlined the administration’s position on the strategically important waterway. “The immediate priority of the president is the reopening of the strait without any limitations, whether in the form of tolls or otherwise,” Leavitt said.
The White House noted increased vessel movement through the strait on Wednesday, though Leavitt refused to specify which entity currently oversees the waterway when questioned by reporters.
The narrow passage serves as a critical global shipping route, handling approximately 20% of worldwide seaborne oil and liquefied natural gas transportation, making it one of the planet’s most important maritime corridors.
As ceasefire negotiations continue involving the United States and Israel, Iran has been working to establish formal authority over the strait by proposing vessel fees for ships using the passage. Trump suggested Wednesday that both the U.S. and Iran might jointly collect such fees through a collaborative arrangement.
