WANA (Jul 13) – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has responded with sarcasm to U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to impose a 20% transit fee on commercial shipping passing through the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that Iran has always been the guarantor of security in the strategic waterway and would be “more fair” if such a policy were ever considered.

 

In a post on X, Araghchi said Trump was “absolutely right” in one respect: whoever ensures the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz deserves to be compensated for that service.

 

He added that Iran has always safeguarded the security of the Strait of Hormuz and will continue to do so. Referring to Trump’s proposed 20% charge, Araghchi remarked sarcastically: “However, 20 percent is far too high. We will be fair.”

Araghchi’s comments came after Trump claimed in a post on Truth Social that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open while the United States would reimpose a naval blockade on Iran. Trump also said the U.S. would become the “Guardian of the Strait of Hormuz” and charge all cargo transiting the waterway a 20% fee to cover the cost of maintaining safety and security in what he described as a highly unstable region.

 

Trump further claimed that the plan would be implemented immediately, prompting Araghchi’s sarcastic response defending Iran’s longstanding role in maintaining security in the Strait.