Trump revives Iran blockade: What happens to Strait of Hormuz next
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
The United States is reinstating the naval blockade of Iran's ports and plans to take control of the Strait of Hormuz by imposing a 20% transit fee on all vessels passing through it, according to US President Donald Trump.
"The Hormuz Strait is open, and will remain open, with or without Iran. We are reinstating the Iranian blockade, so named because it is only stopping Iran’s ships or customers from entering or leaving," he wrote on Truth Social.
Trump said the fee would be used to cover all costs required "to do the job of providing safety and security to this very volatile section of the world."
"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," he added.
On June 18, the United States, acting on Trump's orders, fully lifted the naval blockade of Iranian ports and coastal areas.
Notably, overnight on July 12, Iran announced the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran said the decision was made after several vessels attempted to pass through the waterway using a route that had not been approved by Iranian authorities.
During the incident, Iranian forces attacked a container ship, forcing it to stop. In response, the United States carried out strikes on Iranian targets.
At the same time, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) stressed that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international shipping.
According to Axios, the White House is preparing for a prolonged confrontation with Iran. The outlet reported that the Trump administration is considering a scenario in which the exchange of strikes over the situation in the Strait of Hormuz could continue for several days or even weeks.
