US Treasury Warns Against Toll System in Strait of Hormuz

The United States has warned against any attempts to establish a tolling system for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pledging aggressive sanctions against those involved. Bessent stated on social media that the US government will not tolerate efforts to impose tolls in the strategically critical waterway, which serves as a major global shipping route. Bessent specifically addressed Oman, noting that the US Treasury Department will "aggressively target" any actors directly or indirectly involved in facilitating such tolls. The warning also extends to any willing partners that might support a toll system, who Bessent said would face penalties. The statement underscores American commitment to maintaining free passage through one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil trade passes.