Trump: US will charge for protecting Strait of Hormuz

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a significant shift in American foreign policy, stating that the United States will no longer offer free protection for the Strait of Hormuz. In an interview with Fox News, Trump declared that the U.S. will "be compensated" for its role in safeguarding the crucial waterway.

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We will be guarding the strait, we may take it over, we will be the guardian of the strait, maybe we can call it the guardian angel of the strait, and we should be compensated for it.

"We will be guarding the strait, we may take it over, we will be the guardian of the strait, maybe we can call it the guardian angel of the strait, and we should be compensated for it," Trump said. He emphasized that unlike in previous years, the U.S. cannot be expected to undertake this mission without charge, noting that it previously received nothing for protecting the strait.

The announcement comes amid renewed tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which have cast a shadow over prospects for a peace agreement. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global energy trade, with approximately 20% of the world's crude oil passing through it before recent conflicts. Iran had previously stated its intention to charge passage fees, a move rejected by the U.S.

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Unlike in previous years, the U.S. cannot be expected to undertake this mission without charge.

While a temporary ceasefire agreement was signed in mid-June, prohibiting Tehran from imposing fees on commercial vessels transiting the strait, its effectiveness has been undermined by repeated attacks in the region. Trump's declaration signals a potential new economic dimension to the U.S. commitment to maritime security in the Persian Gulf.

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We will be guarding it, we will guard it, we will guard it for pay, it is a lot of money.