Donald Trump Says US Will Reinstate Iran Naval Blockade, Proposes 20% Cargo Reimbursement
US President Donald Trump said the United States will reinstate its naval blockade of Iran and become the 'Guardian of the Hormuz Strait' following renewed military exchanges with Tehran. In a Truth Social post, Trump said only Iranian ships and customers would be blocked while other countries would continue using the strategic waterway. He also proposed a 20% reimbursement on cargo for US security operations.
US President Donald Trump said on Monday, July 13, that the United States will reinstate its naval blockade of Iran and assume the role of "Guardian of the Hormuz Strait," amid renewed military exchanges between Washington and Tehran that have raised fresh uncertainty over efforts to secure a lasting peace.
Trump announced the move during an interview with Fox News and in a post on Truth Social, shortly after the latest exchange of attacks between the United States and Iran. Iranian authorities said they had again targeted US military sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Jordan, while US forces have continued strikes on port cities along Iran's coastline. Trump Warns Iran: '1000 Missiles Locked and Loaded' if Assassination Plot.
Donald Trump Says US Will Guard Strait of Hormuz
Donald Trump Announces Return of Iran Blockade
In his Truth Social post, Trump outlined the administration's planned measures for the strategic waterway. "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. All other countries will have fair and open use of the Strait."
He added: "The U.S.A. 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 to this very volatile section of the World." Trump concluded the announcement by stating: "The process and formation will begin immediately." Donald Trump Dismisses Reports of Iranian Plot to Assassinate Him.
Renewed Fighting Threatens Diplomatic Efforts
The announcement came as both countries traded another round of military strikes. According to Iran, its forces targeted US military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Jordan. The United States has primarily focused its military operations on Iranian port cities along the country's coast.
The latest escalation threatens to undermine ceasefire negotiations that began last month after both sides signed an initial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at ending hostilities, lifting the US naval blockade and reopening the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping.
Future of Strait Among Unresolved Issues
Trump had previously indicated that the United States intended to maintain influence over the Strait of Hormuz and had suggested imposing charges on shipping if negotiations failed.
The reported decision to relaunch the US naval blockade marks a significant departure from one of the key provisions of the initial agreement.
Several issues remain unresolved between Washington and Tehran, including the future of Iran's nuclear programme, access to frozen Iranian assets and the long-term administration of the Strait of Hormuz. Those issues were expected to be negotiated during a 60-day period following the signing of the MoU.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most strategically important maritime routes, with around 20 per cent of global oil and gas exports typically passing through the waterway.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 13, 2026 08:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).