Iran Has Always Been GUARDIAN of the Strait, Says Seyed Abbas Araghchi After Donald Trump Proposes 20% Cargo Reimbursement

Tensions in the Middle East reached a new peak on Monday, July 13, as U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States would act as the "Guardian of the Hormuz Strait", imposing a 20 percent fee on all cargo passing through the vital waterway. The declaration, which includes the reinstatement of a maritime blockade against Iranian ports, coincides with an intense exchange of military strikes between U.S. and Iranian forces.

The Proposed 'Guardian' Toll and Blockade

President Trump announced the policy shift on his Truth Social platform, stating that the U.S. would be reimbursed for the costs of providing security in the region. "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," he wrote. UAE Tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah Struck by Iranian Missiles in Strait of Hormuz; 1 Indian Crew Member Killed.

Iran Has Always Been the GUARDIAN of the Strait, Says Seyed Abbas Araghchi

POTUS is absolutely right. Whoever provides secure and safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz should be compensated for this service.

Iran has always been the GUARDIAN of the Strait and will remain so FOREVER.

20% is of course too much. We will be fair

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) July 13, 2026

Concurrent with the toll announcement, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the reinstatement of a blockade targeting maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports, set to take effect on July 14 at 4:00 PM ET. The U.S. military emphasized that while passage for non-Iranian traffic would remain open, vessels operating in the region are advised to monitor official broadcasts and maintain contact with U.S. naval forces.

Iran Rejects US Oversight

Tehran has swiftly challenged the U.S. position, asserting its own historical and sovereign management of the strait. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi responded to the proposal on X, stating, "Whoever provides secure and safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz should be compensated for this service. Iran has always been the GUARDIAN of the Strait and will remain so FOREVER." Araghchi further dismissed the 20 percent figure as unreasonable, adding, "20 per cent is of course too much. We will be fair." Iranian military officials have warned that they will not permit U.S. interference in the management of the waterway, signaling that the ongoing dispute could further destabilize global energy markets. Donald Trump Says US Will Reinstate Iran Naval Blockade, Proposes 20% Cargo Reimbursement.

Regional Instability and Military Conflict

The geopolitical standoff follows a series of escalating military engagements. On Monday, the UAE reported that two of its tankers, the Mombasa and the Al Bahiyah, were struck by Iranian cruise missiles in Omani territorial waters. The attack resulted in the death of one Indian crew member and left eight others injured, including four who were seriously wounded. The Strait of Hormuz, which facilitates the transit of roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas, remains a critical chokepoint. While an interim peace deal between Washington and Tehran had previously allowed for managed traffic, recent developments indicate that those negotiations have stalled. With both nations asserting control and continuing to exchange fire, international mediators continue to monitor the situation, as the resumption of hostilities threatens to dismantle months of diplomatic efforts.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 14, 2026 07:48 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).