Trump reinstates Iran port blockade and vows 20% charge on cargo passing through Hormuz
BBC News 2026-07-13 20:06:14
Context: President Donald Trump has announced that the US will reinstate a naval blockade of Iranian ports and impose a 20% charge on all cargo shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route. The blockade and charge are set to take effect from 16:00 Eastern Time on Tuesday, amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran. The Strait of Hormuz, which lies within Iran and Oman's territorial waters, is a vital passage for 25% of the world's oil and 20% of global liquefied natural gas.
Key Facts
- The US will impose a 20% charge on all cargo shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, with President Trump stating that the US will be "known as 'THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT'" and that it will be reimbursed for providing safety and security to the region.
- The blockade of Iranian ports will be reinstated from 16:00 Eastern Time on Tuesday, with US Central Command stating that its forces "will resume blockading maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports" on July 14.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded to Trump's announcement, stating that whoever provides safe passage "should be compensated for this service", but that Iran would remain the strait's "GUARDIAN" forever.
- The International Maritime Organization, a UN agency regulating global shipping, has stated that it "stands firmly against charging fees for passage through straits used for international navigation", citing a lack of legal basis for introducing mandatory tolls.
- The Strait of Hormuz has been a point of contention between the US and Iran, with Iran effectively shutting down the strait in February after the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran, and the US first imposing a naval blockade of all Iranian ports in April.