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How aides and allies got Trump to back off Strait of Hormuz toll
CNN • • nation
Key Points:
- President Donald Trump unexpectedly announced plans to impose a 20% toll on all cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz, despite warnings from his advisers and strong opposition from Gulf allies.
- The announcement triggered urgent diplomatic efforts by Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar, to persuade Trump to abandon the toll plan, which he reversed within 24 hours.
- Trump shifted the proposal to have Gulf allies invest unspecified sums into the US economy instead of paying tolls, though the details and actual investment amounts remain unclear.
- Advisers warned that charging tolls would violate international law, increase oil prices, and undermine US war aims, while Iran quickly responded by claiming compensation is justified for securing the strait.
- The episode highlighted the unpredictable and transactional nature of Trump's foreign policy amid ongoing conflict with Iran and concerns over stability in the critical shipping route.
