U.S. announces 20% toll on ships using Hormuz; what Trump’s Iranian blockade means

Published 14 July 2026 · us

US President Donald Trump on Monday (July 13, 2026) said the United States was “reinstating” a blockade on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and

US President Donald Trump on Monday (July 13, 2026) said the United States was “reinstating” a blockade on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and, in a move that appeared to mark a shift in policy, would charge other vessels for safe passage. The announcement followed an Iranian attack on a container vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday (July 12, 2026). Iran has maintained control over the strategic route for international oil and gas shipments since the conflict involving the United States and Israel began. Trump announces Hormuz blockade Trump’s remarks escalated a growing dispute between Washington and Tehran over the status of the vital shipping route at the centre of renewed tensions between the two countries. “We are reinstating the THE IRANIAN BLOCKADE,” Mr. Trump said in a social media post. “All other countries will have fair and open use of the Strait.” He said the United States would be “reimbursed” through a levy amounting to 20 per cent of the value of cargo passing through the waterway, to cover “any and all costs necessary to do the job of providing safety and security”. About one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies transited the Strait of Hormuz before Iran effectively closed the route at the outset of the war, pushing up worldwide prices of energy, fertiliser and other commodities. Although traffic improved following last month’s agreement, volumes have remained well below pre-war levels. West Asia war LIVE- July 14, 2026 U.S. proposes 20% levy on cargo transiting Hormuz US Central Command later said military forces would resume blockading traffic to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas from 4 p.m. New York time on July 14.

The White House did not immediately provide details on how the proposal would be implemented or whether it had been discussed with Washington’s Gulf allies. Trump said Iranian vessels would no longer be permitted to transit the strait, while a 20 per cent toll would be imposed on eligible cargo carried by other ships. “We are reinstating the THE IRANIAN BLOCKADE, so named because it is only stopping Iran’s ships or customers from entering or leaving,” Mr. Trump said. “All other countries will have fair and open use of the Strait.” He said the levy would help cover “any and all costs necessary to do the job of providing safety and security to this very volatile section of the World”. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions with Iran after peace talks failed to produce a breakthrough. Iran rejects U.S. move, asserts control of the strait Tehran, meanwhile, has argued that it has the authority to regulate traffic through the strait and potentially impose fees under the terms of an interim peace arrangement. Washington has rejected that position. Iran on Monday vowed to resist any US attempt to interfere in the waterway. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi appeared to mock Mr. Trump’s announcement on social media while using it to bolster Iran’s own stance. “POTUS is absolutely right. Whoever provides secure and safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz should be compensated for this service,” Mr. Araghchi wrote on X. “Iran has always been the GUARDIAN of the Strait and will remain so FOREVER.