In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned Tehran to restore access to the strategic shipping lane, which Iran has effectively closed since hostilities intensified. “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!!” he wrote, linking potential military action directly to the disruption of maritime traffic through the strait.

The president’s remarks, delivered in forceful language, underscored the growing pressure on Iran amid ongoing military exchanges. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical artery for global energy supplies, and its closure has heightened concerns over disruptions to oil shipments and broader economic repercussions.

Trump also said he would hold a news conference on Monday in the Oval Office following a U.S. military operation that rescued two American pilots whose aircraft had been downed in Iran. Details of the rescue mission were not elaborated in the statement.

The threat of strikes on infrastructure marks a potential widening of targets beyond military assets, signaling an escalation in U.S. strategy as tensions persist in the region. Iran has not publicly responded to Trump’s latest warning.

The developments come amid continued fighting involving U.S. and Israeli forces and Iranian targets, with both sides reporting damage to infrastructure and military assets over the past month.

The bottleneck includes 12 very large gas carriers and 50 very large crude carriers, with only six ships transiting the strait between Tuesday and Wednesday, far below the typical daily average of around 120 vessels in peacetime, data from maritime analytics firm Kpler showed.

Limited movement has been permitted through a tightly controlled corridor near Iran’s Larak Island, with access largely restricted to vessels linked to Iran or countries maintaining favorable relations with Tehran. Lloyd’s List estimates that at least 48 ships have passed through the route since last week under such arrangements.

Iran imposed the blockade following strikes by the United States and Israel on Feb. 28, effectively constraining a waterway that normally handles about one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments. Shipowners granted passage have reportedly faced fees of up to $2 million per transit, although Tehran has indicated that vessels from allied nations may be exempt.

Malaysian authorities said tankers operated by companies including Petronas, Sapura Energy and MISC were awaiting clearance, with Iran assuring Kuala Lumpur that fees would be waived due to bilateral ties. Officials cautioned that heavy congestion could delay passage regardless of exemptions.

China said at least three of its vessels had recently transited the strait following coordination with relevant parties. Ship-tracking data indicated that two container ships exited the Gulf on a subsequent attempt while sailing in close formation and at increased speed, in what analysts described as the first such movement by non-Iranian container vessels since the escalation began.

A small number of other ships have also managed to leave, including a Greek-operated tanker carrying Saudi crude to India and several Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas carriers transporting essential cargo.

Shipping sources said some crews have adopted risk mitigation measures such as nighttime navigation or disabling tracking systems to reduce exposure to threats including mines, missiles and drones.Despite limited transits, exports from major Gulf producers such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar remain largely suspended, with hundreds of vessels and an estimated 20,000 seafarers still awaiting clearance in and around the Gulf.

A Pakistani oil vessel reached Karachi after successfully transiting the strait, while another shipment arrived via an alternative route. Officials said further deliveries could follow in the coming weeks.The disruption has intensified diplomatic efforts to reopen the waterway.

Britain is preparing to host talks involving around 35 countries to address maritime security, while China and Pakistan have jointly called for a ceasefire and urged all sides to ensure safe passage for commercial shipping.U.S.

President Donald Trump reiterated on Wednesday that Iran must lift the blockade, warning of potential military action if it fails to comply.

The statement, issued by Iran’s foreign ministry and shared with IMO member states and non-governmental organizations, said vessels that do not “participate in or support acts of aggression” against Iran would be permitted safe passage through the strategic waterway, subject to adherence to safety and security regulations.

However, it specified that vessels, equipment, and assets belonging to what it described as “aggressor parties” including the United States and Israel would not qualify for what it termed “innocent or non-hostile passage.

”Iran said responsibility for any disruption or escalation in the Strait of Hormuz lay with Washington and Tel Aviv, accusing them of waging an “unlawful and destabilising war” that has heightened risks to international shipping and regional stability.

The statement reflects Tehran’s position as tensions remain elevated following the outbreak of war triggered by U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, has been effectively closed since the escalation, contributing to sharp increases in global oil and gas prices.

Iran’s conditional reopening for select vessels introduces limited operational clarity for commercial shipping, though the exclusion of U.S. and Israeli-linked assets underscores the continuing strategic and geopolitical risks in the region.

Speaking on a Fuji TV programme, Motegi said minesweeping could be an option if naval mines obstruct shipping lanes following a “complete ceasefire,” stressing that any such step would depend on conditions stabilising in the waterway, a conduit for roughly a fifth of global oil shipments.

Japan’s potential involvement would be constrained by its postwar pacifist constitution, which restricts military activity abroad. However, security legislation enacted in 2015 allows overseas deployment of the Self-Defense Forces if a crisis threatens Japan’s survival and no alternative measures are available.

Motegi said Tokyo had no immediate plans to pursue arrangements to secure passage specifically for Japanese vessels, but emphasised the importance of restoring safe navigation through the strait. Japan relies on the route for around 90% of its oil imports, leaving it highly exposed to disruptions.

The near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict has contributed to a surge in global oil prices, prompting Japan and other countries to release crude from strategic reserves.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Japan’s Kyodo news agency he had discussed with Motegi the possibility of allowing Japan-linked vessels to transit the strait.U.S. President Donald Trump has urged allies, including Japan, to increase their role in securing the waterway, though Tokyo has so far signalled limits based on its legal framework.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she had briefed Trump on the scope of support Japan could provide under domestic law.

Separately, Motegi said one of two Japanese nationals detained in Iran had been released on Wednesday and would return to Japan. He said the release followed repeated diplomatic representations to Tehran, while confirming that a second Japanese citizen remains in custody.

Though seen initially as a reaction to ongoing trade tensions, experts say these new steps could eventually foster innovation, create more balanced global trade routes, and boost competitiveness among shipping and logistics firms.

Starting October 14, both nations began implementing additional port fees on vessels linked to each other’s economies. China stated that the special charges would apply to U.S.-owned, operated, built, or flagged vessels, while ships built in China would be exempted from the levies.

Similarly, the U.S. administration introduced fees on China-linked ships as part of a wider policy to bolster the American shipbuilding industry and reduce its dependence on foreign-built fleets.

Industry observers note that while the changes may create short-term adjustments for shipping companies, the broader outcome could lead to a more diversified and resilient maritime system.

By encouraging domestic shipbuilding and innovation in logistics, both the U.S. and China are investing in stronger, more self-reliant economies.

Analysts also suggest that the measures could open up opportunities for smaller economies and third-party logistics providers to expand their roles in global trade.

China’s new rules specify that the extra port fees will be collected at the first port of entry on a single voyage or over the first five voyages within a year. The annual billing cycle begins each April, ensuring predictable and manageable costs for shipping companies.

These transparent guidelines are expected to help companies plan logistics more efficiently while giving shipbuilders time to adjust to the evolving global standards.

In the United States, the administration under President Donald Trump announced its port fee initiative earlier this year as part of a long-term plan to strengthen U.S. maritime infrastructure.

The move follows findings from an earlier investigation during the Biden administration, which concluded that China’s policies in shipbuilding and logistics gave it an outsized advantage in global markets.

The new measures aim to restore balance, ensure fair competition, and support local innovation in U.S. ports and shipyards.

While the policy has been described by some as a “tit-for-tat” response, others see it as a necessary step toward a fairer and more sustainable global shipping environment.

By introducing fees that encourage local development, both nations are pushing for a new phase of global maritime evolution—one focused on technological upgrades, eco-friendly practices, and enhanced transparency.

Market analysts expect the initial impact on companies like China’s COSCO and other large carriers to be manageable. Jefferies analyst Omar Nokta noted that while 13% of crude tankers and 11% of container ships globally could be affected, the long-term gains in competitiveness and efficiency may outweigh the short-term challenges.

Industry leaders in both countries are responding by exploring new trade routes, modernizing fleets, and investing in digital tracking systems that can optimize port logistics and reduce fuel consumption.

These efforts align with global sustainability goals championed by organizations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which seeks to cut greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping sector.

A Shanghai-based trade consultant emphasized that while initial adjustments may occur, trade will continue to thrive. “Companies will adapt, just as they have in the past.

This may even push the industry to become more innovative, with smarter logistics and greater regional cooperation,” he said.

Experts also believe that this renewed focus on maritime independence could lead to increased collaboration among emerging economies.

Nations in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa could see new opportunities to expand their ports and attract greater investments from international shipping firms looking for alternative trade hubs.

Ultimately, what began as a series of tariff adjustments may evolve into a transformative phase for global shipping.

The new U.S.-China port fee structures are prompting the world’s major economies to rethink how goods move across oceans—prioritizing sustainability, local growth, and innovation over dependence and volatility.

In the long term, this could result in a more balanced, technologically advanced, and eco-conscious maritime industry—one that strengthens global trade stability while ensuring that every port, from Los Angeles to Shanghai, benefits from a fairer and more dynamic shipping future.