Trump Claims U.S.-Iran Agreement Ensures ‘Permanently Toll Free’ Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump asserted in a June 14 interview that a new U.S.-Iran agreement would make the Strait of Hormuz “permanently toll free,” according to a transcript of the conversation obtained by The New York Times. The claim contradicts the terms of the memorandum of understanding (MOU), which suspends tolls for 60 days before initiating a regional dialogue on future arrangements, according to a U.S. State Department official.

What Does the New Agreement Say About the Strait of Hormuz?

The MOU, finalized after months of negotiations led by Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner, includes a provision to suspend tolls in the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days. Iran had never charged tolls in the strait prior to the 2022 conflict, meaning the agreement effectively reverts to the prewar status quo, according to a U.S. defense analyst familiar with the terms.

Trump’s assertion of a “permanently toll free” strait was not reflected in the official document, which specifies a temporary suspension. A White House spokesperson declined to clarify the discrepancy, stating, “The president’s comments reflect his perspective on the agreement’s broader implications.”

How Does This Agreement Differ From the 2015 Nuclear Deal?

The 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, brokered under President Barack Obama, required Iran to limit uranium enrichment to 3.67% purity—a level insufficient for weapons production. The current MOU includes similar restrictions but leaves the duration of the enrichment limits undefined, according to a State Department memo reviewed by Bloomberg.

Iran has consistently maintained its right to enrich uranium under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT), which it ratified in 1970. The 2015 deal had also barred high-level enrichment, but Iran resumed enriching uranium to 60% purity after Trump withdrew from the agreement in 2018, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Why Is Trump Emphasizing the Agreement Now?

The announcement coincided with Trump’s 80th birthday, during which he praised Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin for their roles in brokering the deal. He also criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he accused of nearly derailing the agreement by opposing the terms.

“He’s a very difficult guy,” Trump said of Netanyahu. “If Iran had a nuclear weapon, Israel wouldn’t be around for two hours.” Netanyahu’s office did not respond to requests for comment.

What Are the Next Steps in the Negotiations?

U.S. officials have indicated that final negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program will begin June 19 in Switzerland, as previously reported by Reuters. The talks will focus on whether Iran will suspend uranium enrichment for 15 to 20 years, though no agreement has been reached on this point, according to a senior State Department adviser.

Trump also hinted at potential military action if Iran fails to comply, stating, “I would restart military attacks on Tehran or make the U.S. the guardian of the Middle East in return for 20% of the region’s revenues.” A Pentagon spokesperson did not confirm the remarks, citing ongoing discussions.

How Does This Impact Regional Stability?

The agreement has drawn mixed reactions. While some analysts view it as a step toward de-escalation, others warn of unresolved tensions. “The temporary toll suspension and vague enrichment terms do little to address Iran’s long-term nuclear ambitions,” said Dr. Emily Carter, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.

Meanwhile, Israel has signaled concerns over the deal’s implications. A senior Israeli defense official told Haaretz that the agreement “undermines regional security” and could embolden Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

As negotiations continue, the focus will remain on whether the U.S. and Iran can bridge lingering differences over nuclear limits and regional influence. The coming weeks will determine whether the agreement stands as a breakthrough or a fragile pause in a decades-old conflict.