Trump says countries should reimburse US for securing Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump has demanded that countries benefiting from the security of the Strait of Hormuz reimburse the United States for the costs of protecting the crucial oil-shipping route, while claiming that oil is continuing to flow through the waterway despite the widening military conflict with Iran.
In a series of posts on Truth Social on Monday, Trump argued that the US was doing more to secure global energy supplies than it was for its own interests and suggested that other nations should bear part of the financial burden.
"Oil is flowing through the Hormuz Strait. The Countries of the World, which have been no help to us whatsoever, should, and will, reimburse the United States of America when this SCAM Confligration is all over. We are doing it much more for others, than we are for ourselves, and we have been for Generations!"
Trump's claim comes against a sharply different backdrop from Tehran, which has asserted control over traffic through the strategic waterway and maintained restrictions on shipping. Iranian officials have said vessels must follow routes and procedures set by Tehran, while Washington has rejected Iran's claim that it controls the strait. Shipping through Hormuz remains well below pre-war levels amid attacks on commercial vessels and restrictions imposed by Iran.
The diplomatic effort to address the standoff also suffered a setback after Oman called off a planned meeting between Iran and Gulf states that was aimed at discussing arrangements for the strategic waterway. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said the meeting was postponed in the interests of consensus, with no new date announced. Iran said the postponement followed a request from regional countries.
Alongside his warning over Hormuz, Trump asserted that Iran was seeking a rapid diplomatic settlement with Washington, although he made clear that any decision on US engagement would rest with him.
"The failing Nation of Iran wants to make a deal, quickly and badly. I will determine whether or not the USA will choose to engage - The concept of which we are open to."
The remarks point to a possible diplomatic opening even as fighting continues across the region. Trump has previously signalled that he is open to negotiations but has also maintained pressure on Tehran through military and economic measures.
This is a developing story. It will be updated.- EndsPublished By: Sonali VermaPublished On: Sep 14, 2026 22:07 IST
