Trump Declares U.S. the “Guardian of the Hormuz Strait,” Announces 20% Cargo Fee Amid Escalating Iran Tensions

 

Trump Declares U.S. the “Guardian of the Hormuz Strait,” Announces 20% Cargo Fee Amid Escalating Iran Tensions

Date: July 13, 2026

U.S. President Donald J. Trump has announced a major new policy for the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, declaring that the United States will become the "Guardian of the Hormuz Strait" while reinstating what he called the "Iranian Blockade." The announcement, made through his social media platform, comes as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate following recent military confrontations. �

Reuters +1

According to Trump, the Strait of Hormuz will remain open for global shipping, but Iranian vessels and ships doing business with Iran will be prevented from entering or leaving under the renewed blockade. He emphasized that all other nations would continue to enjoy free passage through the vital waterway.

“The Hormuz Strait is OPEN, and will remain OPEN, with or without Iran,” Trump wrote. “We are reinstating the Iranian Blockade... All other countries will have fair and open use of the Strait.”

A New U.S. Role in the Strait

Trump said the United States would immediately begin the process of acting as the security guarantor for the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest and most strategically important maritime routes.

He stated that because the U.S. military would be responsible for protecting international shipping, countries using the waterway should reimburse the United States for those security operations.

Under his proposal, a 20% charge on all cargo shipped through the Strait would be collected to cover the costs of maintaining security and ensuring safe navigation in the region. �

Reuters +1

Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and a significant amount of liquefied natural gas pass through the narrow waterway every day, making it one of the most critical shipping lanes in global trade.

Any disruption to traffic through the Strait has immediate consequences for international energy markets, fuel prices, and global supply chains. �

Reuters +1

Iran Rejects U.S. Control

Iran has strongly rejected Trump's declaration, insisting that the United States has no legal authority to control or administer the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials warned that any unilateral attempt to enforce American control over the waterway would be unacceptable and could further destabilize the region. �

The New Indian Express +1

The announcement comes after days of missile and drone exchanges between U.S. and Iranian forces, with both sides accusing each other of threatening international shipping.

Oil Markets React

Financial markets responded quickly to the announcement.

Oil prices climbed sharply as investors feared additional disruptions to global energy supplies. Brent crude and U.S. benchmark oil both posted significant gains amid growing concerns that the conflict could further impact shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. �

Reuters +1

International Response

Trump's proposal is expected to generate significant international debate. Many countries rely heavily on uninterrupted access through the Strait of Hormuz, and questions remain about the legality and practical enforcement of a U.S.-imposed cargo fee and blockade.

Diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions continue, but uncertainty remains high as governments monitor developments in one of the world's most sensitive geopolitical regions. �

The Guardian +1

Looking Ahead

Whether the United States can implement Trump's proposal remains uncertain. The plan would likely face diplomatic, legal, and military challenges from Iran and potentially from other nations concerned about freedom of navigation under international maritime law.

For now, Trump's declaration marks another dramatic escalation in the ongoing U.S.-Iran confrontation and raises new questions about the future security of one of the world's most important energy corridors. �

AP News +1