President Donald Trump proposed charging cargo ships a 20 per cent fee to pass through the Strait of Hormuz as the United States reinstated a blockade on Iranian shipping and exchanged another round of attacks with Tehran.
The proposal was quickly condemned by major shipping interests and unsettled energy markets. Trump later dropped the fee in favour of promised Gulf investment agreements, but the episode showed how freely the world’s most important oil route is now being used as leverage in a widening conflict.
American forces launched new attacks after Trump reinstated a blockade on Iranian shipping, while Tehran retaliated against U.S. facilities and regional allies.
Iran’s dispersed missiles, mines and asymmetric warfare capabilities mean that airstrikes and naval pressure alone may not be enough to guarantee safe commercial passage.
The proposed toll, its abrupt withdrawal and the continuing blockade highlighted the risk that conflict in the strait could rapidly raise shipping and energy costs worldwide.
Iranian strikes targeted U.S.-aligned states and shipping linked to the Gulf, widening a confrontation already threatening commercial traffic and regional stability.
Water-bombing aircraft and hundreds of firefighters battled the Fontainebleau blaze as extreme heat continued across western Europe.
Tens of thousands of hectares have burned, with France, Spain, Portugal and Italy facing especially dangerous conditions after repeated early heatwaves.
Beijing said its expanding relationships with Pacific island nations are based on development and cooperation rather than strategic control.
The new government signalled a possible recalibration after years of strained relations over Taiwan’s representative office in Vilnius.
Trump abandons a proposed 20 per cent shipping fee.
New U.S. strikes follow the return of a blockade.
Securing the strait remains militarily and politically difficult.
Wildfire and extreme heat grip France.
China denies seeking a regional sphere of influence.
A new government seeks to ease tensions with Beijing.
After proposing a 20 per cent charge on cargo moving through the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said the United States would instead pursue trade and investment agreements with Gulf governments. The reversal came amid criticism that charging for passage through international waters would set a dangerous precedent.