Trump says Middle East leaders talked him out of Strait of Hormuz tolls — massive investment coming instead

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Iran "attacked first" as cease-fire negotiations collapsed and the two sides exchanged military strikes, calling the move "a huge mistake." Trump also explained his abrupt reversal on plans to charge tolls for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, saying Middle Eastern leaders called him to propose resolving the matter "a different way." In practice, he said, the United States would instead pursue trade and investment agreements with countries in the region.

Speaking at the White House during a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Sudani, Trump was asked whether he regretted easing sanctions on Iran and lifting a maritime blockade after the two sides signed a cease-fire MOU. "No. I wanted to give them a chance to make a deal," he said.

"Two days ago we had agreed. And then all of a sudden they said they couldn't negotiate. Something about the agreement they didn't like," he said. "They said they couldn't go through with the deal and then they attacked first — and that was a big mistake."

Trump said leaders of US allies and partner nations in the Middle East called to dissuade him from the toll plan he had announced Tuesday. He said the regional leaders told him they wanted to "resolve it a different way," and that the United States would instead conclude trade and investment agreements with those countries.

"I don't love the concept of charging tolls in the Strait of Hormuz," he said, while adding that "at the same time, it's not fair that we're protecting the strait for the whole world — China and everyone else — and getting nothing for it." "They're going to make massive investments in the United States, and I like that better," he said of the Middle Eastern nations.

During the question-and-answer session with reporters, Trump also addressed a Russia sanctions bill championed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). "Iran is going to be added, and that's a very big thing. Hezbollah could be added too," Trump said, pressing Tehran with the prospect of additional sanctions.