Donald Trump has announced that the United States will begin charging ships for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the vital waterway remains open. The president declared that the US will be reimbursed for providing security, imposing a 20% fee on all cargo shipped through the strait.
Blockade of Iranian Ports Reimposed
Trump also stated that the blockade of Iranian ports would be reinstated, effectively restricting Iran's maritime access. In a post on his Truth Social platform, he wrote: 'The Hormuz Strait is OPEN, and will remain OPEN, with or without Iran. We are reinstating the THE IRANIAN BLOCKADE, so named because it is only stopping Iran’s ships or customers from entering or leaving. All other countries will have fair and open use of the Strait.'
US Declares Itself 'Guardian of the Strait'
The president further declared: 'The USA will be, from this point forward, known as “THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT”, but as such, and as a matter of FAIRNESS, will be reimbursed, at the rate of 20% on all cargo shipped, for any and all costs necessary to do the job of providing safety and security to this very volatile section of the World. The process and formation will begin immediately.'
Escalating Stand-off with Iran
The move comes amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran over the Gulf channel, which has seen both sides exchange fire. The latest clash followed an Iranian attack on a container ship on Sunday in the strait. Iran claims control of the waterway, a position disputed by the US and other nations that cite international law on freedom of navigation.
Background of the Strait of Hormuz Dispute
Ending Tehran's influence over the sea route, which has disrupted global oil and gas supplies and driven up fuel and food prices, had been a key demand in previous negotiations. However, an initial deal between the US and Iran only provided for safe, toll-free passage for 60 days, pending a final agreement on Iran's nuclear program. The pact also left it to Iran and Oman, along with other Gulf states, to 'define the future administration and maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz.' In the meantime, Iran has continued to exert leverage, including demanding ships seek permission to transit and hinting at future charges.
