Trump says US is 'Guardian of Hormuz', will charge 20% fee on cargo shipped through it

US President Donald Trump on Monday announced that the United States would reinstate what he described as an "Iranian blockade" in the Strait of Hormuz, while demanding a 20 per cent reimbursement on all non-Iranian cargo passing through the strategic waterway.

The announcement came just hours after Trump told Fox News that the US would "take control" of the Strait of Hormuz and act as its "guardian," signalling a sharp escalation in Washington's stance amid heightened tensions with Iran.

Trump announces 'Iranian blockade'

In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed the Strait of Hormuz would remain open regardless of Iran's actions and said the new blockade would target only Iranian vessels and those doing business with Tehran.

"The Hormuz Strait is OPEN, and will remain OPEN, with or without Iran," Trump wrote.

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He added, "We are reinstating the THE IRANIAN BLOCKADE, so named because it is only stopping Iran's ships or customers from entering or leaving. All other countries will have fair and open use of the Strait."

US to become 'Guardian of the Hormuz Strait'

Trump also said the United States would assume responsibility for protecting the crucial shipping lane and argued that countries benefiting from its security should help pay for the costs.

"The USA 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," he said, adding that implementation would begin immediately.

Why the Strait of Hormuz matters

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and is one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints. Nearly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports pass through the narrow waterway, making any disruption a major concern for global energy supplies and international trade.