US President Donald Trump on Monday announced that the United States would assume the role of the ‘Guardian of the Hormuz Strait’ and seek reimbursement equal to 20 per cent of all cargo shipped through the strategic waterway. He said the fee would cover the costs of safeguarding one of the world’s most volatile maritime corridors.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open ‘with or without Iran’.
The US President also announced the reinstatement of what he described as the ‘Iranian blockade’, stating that only Iranian vessels and their customers would face restrictions, while all other nations would continue to enjoy unrestricted passage.
Trump said the United States had protected the Strait for decades without compensation and argued that allied nations benefiting from secure shipping should now contribute towards the cost. He added that the process to implement the proposal would begin immediately.
Earlier, during an interview with Fox News, Trump said Washington would likely oversee the Strait permanently and deserved financial reimbursement for maintaining maritime security. He maintained that wealthy nations using the route should not expect the United States to shoulder the responsibility alone.
The President also accused Iran of abandoning a previously agreed deal after lengthy negotiations. He claimed Tehran repeatedly violated agreements and warned that the United States would continue responding forcefully.
Trump further asserted that recent American military operations had significantly weakened Iran’s armed forces and prevented the country from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The announcement did not clarify how the proposed 20 per cent charge would be collected, whether it would apply to every commercial shipment, or the legal authority supporting the plan.
The White House also withheld additional implementation details.
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