US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran regarding its alleged plans to charge tolls for ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint that facilitates roughly 20% of the world's oil supply. Trump's reversal from an earlier endorsement of such fees has left diplomats and legal experts grappling with the implications of maritime law. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Strait qualifies as an 'international strait,' where coastal states like Iran are prohibited from levying blanket tolls. Experts argue that Iran's potential move to impose tolls, possibly in cryptocurrency, violates both treaty law and customary practices. If successful, this could set a troubling precedent, potentially encouraging other nations, including India and China, to impose similar charges in their respective waters. The stakes are high, as the Strait of Hormuz is crucial for countries like India, which relies on it for 40% of its oil imports and 90% of its LNG. The uncertainty surrounding tolls could lead to increased shipping costs and disrupt global supply chains, prompting concerns from energy-dependent economies like Japan.