U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the reinstatement of a U.S.-led naval blockade on Iran, declaring that vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz will be subject to a 20% cargo fee to help cover the cost of securing one of the world’s most critical shipping routes. The announcement comes amid renewed military tensions between the United States and Iran.
Trump said the United States would ensure that the Strait of Hormuz remains open for international shipping “with or without Iran.” He argued that countries benefiting from the waterway should contribute to its security and proposed that the U.S. would collect a 20% fee on cargo moving through the strait.
Iran swiftly rejected the proposal, insisting that the United States has no legal authority over the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed Trump’s remarks and said Tehran—not Washington—was the legitimate guardian of the strategic waterway. He also criticized the proposed transit charge, calling it unacceptable.
The latest announcement follows a sharp escalation in the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, including missile and drone exchanges over the weekend. The renewed confrontation has heightened concerns over maritime security and global energy supplies, as the Strait of Hormuz handles a significant share of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports.
The announcement also sent shockwaves through global energy markets. Brent crude oil prices climbed sharply after Trump’s statement, while shipping companies and international maritime organizations began assessing the potential impact of the proposed cargo fee and increased military activity in the Gulf. Analysts warned that prolonged instability in the region could disrupt global trade and fuel inflationary pressures worldwide.
