Trump expresses opposition to toll system in Strait of Hormuz

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday voiced his opposition to the imposition of tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran is reportedly in talks with Oman to establish a toll system amid its push for control over traffic through the crucial waterway.

Trump made the remarks during a press availability at the White House amid concerns about continuing disruptions to shipping through the strait, a vital waterway for shipments of oil, natural gas, fertilizer and other commodities. "We want it free.

We don't want tolls," Trump said, arguing that the strait is an "international waterway." He also stressed that the United States has "total" control of the Strait of Hormuz with its military blockade of Iranian ports and vessels, which he cast as a "steel wall." "The blockade has been 100 percent effective," he said.

Earlier, Bloomberg reported that Iran's Ambassador to France Mohammad Amin-Nejad said that the Islamic Republic is discussing with Oman ways to set up some form of a permanent toll system to formalize control of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

In a meeting with rep