Trump declares U.S. ‘Guardian of the Strait of Hormuz,’ announces 20% shipping fee

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a sweeping new policy for the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, declaring the United States as the waterway's "Guardian of the Strait of Hormuz." The policy includes enforcing a targeted blockade on Iranian shipping and imposing a 20% fee on commercial cargo transiting the strategic maritime corridor to fund U.S. security operations.

Trump stated that the Strait of Hormuz will remain open to international shipping, with or without Iran's approval. However, restrictions will apply exclusively to Iranian vessels and entities associated with Tehran. "The Strait of Hormuz is open, and it will remain open, with or without Iran's approval," Trump said. "We are reimposing what is known as the 'Iranian blockade,' targeting only Iranian ships and those dealing with them, while all other countries will enjoy fair and open access to the strait."

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The Strait of Hormuz is open, and it will remain open, with or without Iran's approval. We are reimposing what is known as the 'Iranian blockade,' targeting only Iranian ships and those dealing with them, while all other countries will enjoy fair and open access to the strait.

The United States will now be known as the "Guardian of the Strait of Hormuz." The new policy will charge "compensation at a rate of 20% of the value of all shipments transported" to cover the costs of ensuring safety and security in the region. This announcement follows a sharp escalation in U.S.-Iran tensions, including recent military exchanges and retaliatory attacks.

The Strait of Hormuz, crucial for global oil shipments, has been a geopolitical flashpoint. Trump argued that the U.S. has long borne the burden of protecting freedom of navigation in the Gulf and that benefiting nations should contribute to the costs. The proposal is expected to draw strong reactions from Iran and other major stakeholders, potentially heightening regional tensions and complicating international shipping.

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The United States will henceforth be known as the "Guardian of the Strait of Hormuz" and would charge "compensation at a rate of 20% of the value of all shipments transported" to cover the costs of ensuring safety and security in what he described as one of the world's most volatile regions.