ISTANBUL: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Monday that Tehran will remain the “guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz after US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose fees on shipping in the strategic waterway, Anadolu Ajansi reported.
“POTUS (president of the US) is absolutely right. Whoever provides secure and safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz should be compensated for this service,” Araghchi said on the US social media platform X.
“Iran has always been the GUARDIAN of the Strait and will remain so FOREVER,” he added.
Trump said early Monday that the US will blockade Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and will charge ships a 20 per cent toll for safe passage.
“20 per cent is of course too much. We will be fair,” Araghchi said.
Tensions have escalated between the US and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, with the two sides exchanging attacks despite a Pakistani-mediated memorandum of understanding aimed at ending their conflict and reaching a lasting peace agreement. – BERNAMA-ANADOLU
