Donald Trump has declared that the United States will reinstate its blockade on Iranian ports and impose a 20% fee on all cargo shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, positioning the US as 'the guardian of the Hormuz Strait'. The announcement came in a Truth Social post shortly after the US and Iran exchanged fresh waves of attacks.
Trump's Truth Social Announcement
In his post, Trump stated: '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.' He added that the US would be reimbursed at a rate of 20% on all cargo shipped to cover costs of providing safety and security. 'The process and formation will begin immediately,' he wrote.
Iran responded by claiming it had targeted US military sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Jordan, while US forces continued attacks focused on Iranian port cities along the coastline.
Ceasefire Talks Under Strain
The ongoing strikes have cast fresh doubt over ceasefire negotiations that began last month after Washington and Tehran signed an initial memorandum of understanding (MoU). The MoU committed both sides to halt hostilities, lift the US naval blockade and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. However, several contentious issues were left unresolved, including the future of Iran's nuclear programme, access to frozen Iranian assets and long-term control of the strait, which handles around 20% of global oil and gas exports.
Trump had previously warned that a toll could be introduced if the ceasefire process collapsed.
Iran's Firm Opposition
Tehran has consistently opposed any US assumption of control over the Strait of Hormuz. On Monday, a spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters warned: 'As previously warned, we will not, under any circumstances, allow the US to interfere in the management of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Armed Forces will respond forcefully to any disruption to the passage of commercial vessels and oil tankers by the invading US military outside Iran's designated shipping route and without authorisation from Iran's armed forces.'
The spokesperson also cautioned regional leaders: 'Any cooperation with the US or logistical support for its invading military will be regarded as an act of war against Iran's sovereignty and national security.'
Despite the attacks, both the US and Iran have indicated they want to avoid a return to full-fledged war. The current fighting stems mostly from disagreements over language in the MoU signed in June.
