Washington, July 13:US President Donald Trump has announced the reimposition of a naval blockade on Iran, declaring that no ships will be allowed to enter or leave Iranian ports. The move comes amid renewed military clashes between the United States and Iran, further escalating tensions in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the United States would restore what he called the “Iranian blockade,” aimed at preventing Iranian vessels and their customers from accessing Iranian ports, while allowing ships from other countries to transit the waterway.
Trump also announced that the United States would act as the “guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz and would charge a 20% security fee on cargo transported through the strategic shipping route in exchange for ensuring safe passage.
“The Strait of Hormuz will remain open, with or without Iran’s presence,” Trump wrote, adding that implementation of the new policy would begin immediately.
The announcement follows a sharp deterioration in US-Iran relations after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly resumed attacks on commercial shipping and declared the strait closed until further notice. The United States subsequently launched a new wave of military strikes against Iran.
Despite Trump’s announcement, questions remain over how the proposed blockade and security fee would be enforced. A senior Gulf regional source said Washington has not yet consulted its regional allies about collecting tolls or security charges for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest measures are expected to further heighten tensions in the Gulf and could have significant implications for global energy supplies and international maritime trade.
