Trump to keep Strait of Hormuz open to all 'except Iran'

President Donald Trump on Tuesday walked back plans to charge 20% tolls on ships moving through the Strait of Hormuz in favor of investment agreements with the Gulf States.

Trump reimposed a blockade of the critical waterway this week, asserting plans to charge tolls and take over management of the strait for the long-term. But he indicated on Tuesday that the Gulf States had sought an alternative arrangement.

"[T[he Strait of Hormuz is open to ALL Ship traffic except for Iran — and that is because of their lying, violent, malicious leadership, which is taking them down the path of TOTAL DESTRUCTION," he posted on Truth Social. "We will therefore have a FULL Blockade, but only on Ships coming to and from Iranian ports, or carrying anything have to do with Iranian cargo."

"Based on highly productive conversations with Middle East leadership, I have decided to replace the 20% United States Reimbursement Fee with Trade and Investment Deals that the various Gulf States will be making into the United States," he added. "Those Investments will be MASSIVE but, at the same time, extraordinarily good for them, and their future."

The war began in late February with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The conflict was in a state of nominal ceasefire for months, however, until Trump renewed active hostilities, citing intermittent flare ups of live fire that he said undermined negotiations.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.