Trump: "20% Fee on Hormuz Strait Cargo... Iran Blockade Reinstated"

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a 20% fee will be imposed on all cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz, and that the U.S. will reinstate a maritime blockade to block the passage of Iranian vessels.

On July 13 local time, President Trump stated via the social media platform Truth Social, "The Strait of Hormuz is open and will remain open regardless of whether Iran cooperates," announcing these new measures.

He added, "We are reinstating the 'Iran blockade,' which prohibits only the entry and exit of Iranian vessels or customers doing business with Iran. All other countries will be able to use the Strait of Hormuz fairly and freely."

He went on to say that the United States will henceforth be called the 'Guardian of the Strait of Hormuz,' and that the U.S. will receive compensation at a rate of 20% on all cargo transported through the strait to cover all costs required to provide safety and security to this highly unstable region of the world.

President Trump stated that the procedures and structure for collecting the fee would be implemented immediately, but did not specify whether the 20% would be applied to the value of the cargo, shipping costs, or by other means.

This announcement comes amid ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran, in response to a series of U.S. attacks, declared that it would close the strait until further notice. However, the United States maintains that the strait remains open for legitimate international passage.

Meanwhile, the United States and Iran have recently exchanged attacks on merchant ships passing through the strait and retaliatory U.S. airstrikes, putting their truce agreement on the verge of collapse. Previously, the United States lifted the maritime blockade against Iran and allowed free passage through the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with a provisional agreement reached last month. However, after Iran attacked merchant ships and declared the closure of the strait, the United States resumed airstrikes on Iranian military facilities, escalating its pressure.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.