In a series of statements raising numerous questions about the consistency of American foreign policy, US President Donald Trump displayed two diametrically opposed faces on Wednesday: that of a "partner" seeking business solutions with Iran, and that of a "punisher" threatening the global economy with shock tariffs. Just hours after a celebratory social media post regarding a "productive regime change" in Iran, Trump went a step further, proposing the creation of a "joint venture" with Iran to manage the Strait of Hormuz. The American President, adopting real estate terminology, described the co-management of the strategic waterway as "something beautiful," even leaving open the possibility of allowing Tehran to collect tolls from international shipping. Analysts consider this shift inconceivable, as it transforms a zone of global security into a private-style enterprise, even as he clarified that US forces will not withdraw from the region, acting essentially as "guarantors" and overseers of the agreement.
The "productive regime change" in Iran
"The United States will work closely with Iran, which we have deemed to have undergone an extremely productive Regime Change! There will be no Uranium enrichment, and the United States, in cooperation with Iran, will excavate and remove all the deeply buried Nuclear 'Dust' (from B-2 bombers). This is now, and was, under very strict Satellite Surveillance (Space Force!). Nothing has been touched since the date of the attack. We are discussing, and will discuss, with Iran the easing of Tariffs and Sanctions. Many of the 15 points have already been agreed upon. Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP," the US President stated in his social media post.
The proposal for a US-Iran joint venture in Hormuz
Minutes later, in statements to ABC News, the American president stated that the US might seek a "joint venture" with Iran to safeguard the Strait of Hormuz. "We’re thinking of doing it as a joint venture. It’s a way of securing it — securing it from many others, also," Trump said when asked if he would allow Iran to collect tolls from ships passing through the strategic waterway. "It’s a beautiful thing," the US President added.
Trump also stated that he would not allow Iran to maintain any uranium enrichment capability, despite repeated assurances from Tehran that it will not abandon its right to do so. "There will be no enrichment at all," he said characteristically. US forces in the region will also not withdraw, Trump noted, implying they will remain there to enforce any future agreement. Finally, the American president confirmed that China played a key role in the contacts with the Iranians.
Economic war on all fronts
However, the "conciliatory" mood ends at Iran's borders. In an aggressive post, Trump announced that any country daring to supply military equipment to Tehran will face a horizontal 50% tariff on all products exported to the US. "There will be no blockades or exceptions," Trump emphasized, sending a clear ultimatum to allies and adversaries alike, while simultaneously admitting that China played a central role in the negotiations.
The "Tehran Tollbooth"
Meanwhile, a regional official told the Associated Press that Iran wants to impose tolls of up to $1 million on ships passing through the Strait during the two-week period. The ten-point plan also states that the US must accept Iran's continued control over the Strait, recognize its right to uranium enrichment, lift all sanctions, pay reparations, and withdraw all troops from the region. Iran would then use the money collected for reconstruction following the weeks-long conflict.
Following Iran's demands for tolls, the vital Strait has now become known as the "Tehran Tollbooth." Shipowners are undergoing a complex and expensive negotiation process. According to Bloomberg, vessels must inform intermediary companies linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) about the ship's cargo, destination, and ultimate owner. Subsequently, Iran charges a "toll" of at least $1 per barrel – and this must be paid in Chinese yuan or cryptocurrency. The average price for a single oil tanker is $2 million. If all is approved, IRGC vessels will eventually provide an escort during entry and exit from the "toll station." Some analysts believe it could yield up to $500 billion in five years.
In a post on Truth Social shortly after midnight, Trump stated that the US will "help with the traffic backup in the Strait of Hormuz," adding: "A lot of money will be made." Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that if attacks against Iran stop, Iranian operations will also stop. The country's military will coordinate safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz during the ceasefire, he added in a post on X.
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