On June 20, President Donald Trump declared that no fees would be charged for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz during the 60-day ceasefire period. He indicated that the United States might impose fees afterward if a final agreement with Iran is not reached.
Trump made this announcement via his social media platform, Truth Social. He emphasized that the fees would not take effect during the ceasefire or immediately after, unless the U.S. decides to implement them as a form of compensation for its role in ensuring regional security.
This statement came shortly after the U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding on June 18, which aims for an immediate halt to military operations and a final agreement within 60 days.
On the same day, Iranian military officials announced the closure of the Strait, citing alleged U.S. violations of the memorandum and Israeli attacks in Lebanon.
Military Operations and Tensions
Earlier, on February 28, Israel conducted an attack on Tehran, prompting Trump to announce a significant military operation aimed at neutralizing perceived threats from Iran. He accused the Iranian government of supporting militant groups in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
The operation’s goals include dismantling Iran’s missile industry and naval capabilities to prevent future destabilization efforts.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have launched missiles and drones toward Israel and targeted U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The European Union reiterated its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also expressed support for providing Iranians a chance to rid themselves of their current regime, emphasizing the need for security for all nations affected by Iranian aggression.
On February 28, Trump stated that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was dead, a claim later confirmed by Iranian state media.
By March 1, the IRGC announced the initiation of a major offensive operation against Israel and U.S. bases, prompting Trump to warn of a strong retaliatory response if Iran proceeded with its plans.
On March 6, Trump called for a complete change in Iran’s leadership and mentioned potential candidates for a new leader. Two days later, Iran’s Assembly of Experts appointed Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the deceased Supreme Leader, as the new leader.
On March 26, Trump announced a temporary halt to attacks on Iranian energy facilities until April 6, but extended the deadline due to a lack of progress in negotiations.
He threatened to destroy all bridges and power plants in Iran, warning of severe consequences for the Iranian people and potential regional instability.
On April 6, Iran proposed a ten-point plan to the U.S. and Israel for ending the conflict through Pakistan.
By April 7, Trump agreed to delay military action against Iran for two weeks, contingent on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, considering the Iranian proposal as a basis for negotiations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that safe passage through the Strait could be achieved if coordinated with Iranian military forces and technical limitations were taken into account.
On May 1, Trump informed Congress that hostilities between the U.S. and Iran had ceased, although U.S. troops would remain in the region.
On May 23, Trump revealed discussions with leaders from several Middle Eastern nations regarding the peace memorandum with Iran, stating that significant progress had been made toward an agreement that includes reopening the Strait.
The memorandum signed on June 18 commits both the U.S. and Iran to immediately cease military operations, including in Lebanon, and to refrain from future threats against each other, with a final agreement to be established within 60 days.
President Trump announced a temporary suspension of fees for vessels in the Strait of Hormuz during a ceasefire, contingent on a final agreement with Iran. This follows a recent memorandum aimed at halting military operations and ensuring regional stability.