Breaking: Trump announces reinstatement of Iranian shipping blockade, proposes 20% Hormuz transit charge

International, Middle East

WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPA) — United States President Donald Trump has announced what he described as the reinstatement of a blockade targeting Iranian shipping, alongside a proposed 20 per cent charge on cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate.

Trump made the announcement in a statement posted on his Truth Social platform on Monday, declaring that the United States would henceforth assume what he called the role of “The Guardian of the Hormuz Strait.”

The announcement comes amid heightened military tensions between the United States and Iran and growing concerns over the security of international shipping through the strategic waterway.

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In the statement, Trump said the Strait of Hormuz would remain open to international shipping but insisted that restrictions would apply to Iranian vessels and their customers.

“The Hormuz Strait is OPEN, and will remain OPEN, with or without Iran. We are reinstating THE IRANIAN BLOCKADE, so named because it is only stopping Iran’s ships or customers from entering or leaving,” he wrote.

He added that vessels from other countries would continue to enjoy unrestricted access to the vital maritime corridor.

“All other countries will have fair and open use of the Strait,” the President stated.

Trump further announced that the United States would seek reimbursement for providing security in the region by introducing what he described as a 20 per cent charge on all cargo shipped through the Strait of Hormuz.

“The U.S.A. 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,” he said.

According to Trump, implementation of the proposed arrangement would begin immediately.

“The process and formation will begin immediately. Thank you for your attention to this matter,” the statement added.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s busiest energy shipping routes, carrying a significant share of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Any disruption to navigation through the waterway is closely monitored because of its potential impact on global energy markets and international trade.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no immediate indication that the proposed blockade or transit charge had been recognised or implemented under international maritime arrangements.