President Donald Trump announced Sunday the United States will seize control of the Strait of Hormuz—collecting tolls and 20% of all oil flowing through the critical waterway—if negotiations with Iran collapse.
The ultimatum comes as Vice President JD Vance meets with Iranian officials in Switzerland to finalize terms of a permanent ceasefire beyond the 60-day memorandum signed last week. The fate of the Strait of Hormuz sits at the center of those talks.
“UNLESS THEY ARE IMPOSED BY AND FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”
Trump previously stated there would be no tolls during the 60-day ceasefire window—and no tolls after it expires unless the U.S. itself imposes them.
The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most important oil chokepoint, with roughly one-fifth of global petroleum passing through the narrow passage between Iran and Oman. Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the strait during past tensions, a move that would cripple global energy markets.
Trump’s threat represents a dramatic escalation in leverage tactics. If Tehran refuses U.S. terms, Washington would effectively nationalize a waterway Iran considers within its sphere of influence—and extract tribute from every tanker passing through.
Vance’s meetings in Switzerland mark the first face-to-face U.S.-Iran negotiations since Trump returned to office. The talks follow Trump’s warning last week that military action remains on the table if Iran disrupts shipping or closes the strait.
The president told reporters he spoke with Iranian officials overnight. No details of that conversation have been released, but the public threat to seize the strait signals Washington is prepared to move unilaterally if diplomacy fails.
