Washington, April 10: US President Donald Trump has accused Iran of restricting oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and warned Tehran against imposing transit fees on tankers, raising fresh concerns over the stability of a recently announced ceasefire and its impact on global energy flows.
In a social media statement on April 10, Trump alleged that Iran was not honouring an understanding on uninterrupted passage of oil through the strait. He also reacted strongly to reports suggesting that Tehran may be levying charges on vessels crossing the route, cautioning that such actions should stop immediately if confirmed.
The remarks follow reports indicating that only a limited number of vessels have transited the Strait of Hormuz since the ceasefire came into effect. The development has triggered concerns over disruptions in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors for crude oil transportation.
While the US has not announced any immediate countermeasures, Trump’s comments signal rising tensions despite the truce. He noted that he had only recently become aware of the alleged fee system, although he had earlier suggested the possibility of imposing US tolls on shipping traffic in the same region.
Iran has maintained that passage through the strait remains open under specific conditions. Its foreign minister stated that transit would be permitted if vessels coordinate with Iranian military authorities and account for what were described as technical limitations. Observers note that this position reflects Iran’s stance prior to the ceasefire.
The exchange also extended to media criticism, with Trump rejecting claims made by The Wall Street Journal that he had declared a premature victory in Iran. He defended his position, asserting that recent developments represented a clear outcome and reiterating his stance on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a key global energy chokepoint, linking the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. A significant portion of the world’s seaborne crude oil passes through this narrow passage, making any disruption a major concern for international markets.
For countries like India, which rely heavily on crude imports, stability in the Gulf region is closely tied to energy security. Any sustained disruption in shipping through Hormuz could lead to volatility in oil prices, with potential downstream effects on inflation and economic growth.
The latest developments underscore uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the ceasefire, particularly regarding maritime access and control over strategic routes. Iran’s earlier proposal to retain influence over the Strait of Hormuz remains a sensitive issue in ongoing geopolitical dynamics.
As tensions persist, the situation continues to be closely monitored by global stakeholders, given its direct implications for energy supply chains and international trade.
