The US president sparked outrage by claiming the fee is a 'matter of fairness' to cover security costs. The plan has been branded 'state-backed highway robbery' by British critics.
Trump's Announcement and Justification
Writing on Truth Social, Donald Trump declared the Strait of Hormuz open and announced a reinstated blockade of Iranian ports. He stated: '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.'
UK Political Reaction
Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Calum Miller MP condemned the move: 'Donald Trump's plan to slap a 20% tax on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is nothing short of state-backed highway robbery. Ambushing global trade at one of the world's most vital chokepoints is an act of economic extortion. Extracting tolls like this is a flagrant violation of international law.' He urged the UK government to coordinate with allies to reject the toll and de-escalate the conflict.
International Legal Stance
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) stated it 'stands firmly against charging fees for passage through straits used for international navigation,' adding there is 'no legal basis' for mandatory tolls. Only last month, US secretary of state Marco Rubio stressed the US opposed Iran charging fees, saying 'there isn't a nation on Earth that supports having to pay money to go through the straits.'
Escalating Military Actions
US Central Command (Centcom) revealed it used one-way 'kamikaze' surface drones for the first time in strikes on Iran, hitting a submarine and ship maintenance facility at Bandar Abbas Naval Base. The US military stated the strikes 'degraded Iran's ability to continue attacking commercial shipping.'
Background and Ceasefire Context
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital sea route, had been open before the US-Israeli conflict launched on February 28. Trump's move comes after Iran attacked a container ship on Sunday. The initial ceasefire deal had provided for toll-free passage for 60 days, pending a final agreement on Iran's nuclear plans. The pact left Iran and Oman to define future administration of the strait.
Call for Action
Sir Keir Starmer has urged a resumption of the ceasefire. The Liberal Democrats argue both Trump and Tehran are 'holding the global economy to ransom' and demand immediate diplomatic action to protect freedom of navigation.
