Trump to reinstate Iran blockade and charge 20 percent fee on cargo
President Trump has announced a naval blockade and a 20 percent fee on cargo in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to international opposition and rising oil prices. U.S. forces also conducted strikes against Iranian military infrastructure, marking a significant escalation in the region.
On Monday, July 13, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that the United States will serve as the "guardian" of the Strait of Hormuz and announced the reinstatement of a naval blockade on Iranian ports. The President stated that the U.S. Would charge a 20 percent fee on all cargo shipped through the waterway to cover the costs of providing safety and security. Trump characterized the U.S. Presence as the "Guardian Angel of the Strait," asserting that the U.S. Should be reimbursed for controlling the vital route.
The President's policy announcement on Truth Social specified: "The Hormuz Strait is OPEN, and will remain OPEN, with or without Iran. We are reinstating the THE IRANIAN BLOCKADE, so named because it is only stopping Iran's ships or customers from entering or leaving." While Trump stated the U.S. Would be reimbursed at a rate of 20 percent for cargo, it remains unclear whether this applies to the value of the cargo or represents a charge based on operational costs. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for clarification.
Legal and Diplomatic Challenges
The proposal has faced immediate pushback from international authorities. The International Maritime Organization, the United Nations agency overseeing international shipping, stated it remained opposed to tolls for passage through international waterways, noting, "There is no legal basis through which to introduce mandatory tolls simply to transit through a strait." Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously stated on June 25 that there was "zero support" among Gulf countries for such fees, emphasizing that the strait is an "international waterway."
Diplomatic efforts to secure the region appear to be faltering. President Trump stated that the interim memorandum of understanding reached last month is "over." Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that Iran would not agree to visits by the International Atomic Energy Agency to nuclear sites bombed by the U.S. In 2025. Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority further declared on Monday that passage was "unfeasible" due to U.S. Actions, continuing to insist that vessels must use routes and permitting processes defined by Tehran.
Military Operations and Regional Impact
The blockade announcement follows significant military escalation. U.S. Central Command reported conducting strikes on Monday against Iranian military infrastructure, including a submarine and ship maintenance facility at the Bandar Abbas Naval Base. The military utilized unmanned surface vessels in the operation, marking the first time American forces have employed sea drones in combat. Iranian state media reported that at least two people were killed in the strikes in the Khuzestan province.
Security risks have significantly disrupted commercial traffic. According to data from the maritime intelligence provider Kpler, Sunday saw the lowest daily number of transits since June 13. While the U.S. Promotes a southern transit route near the Omani coast, Iran has attacked multiple vessels using that path, leading to a tit-for-tat exchange of fire. The volatility has impacted global markets, with Brent crude rising 4.7% to $79.59 per barrel and U.S. Benchmark crude oil adding 4.8% to $74.85 per barrel on Monday.
