US President Donald Trump announced on Monday (July 13) the reimposition of the naval blockade on Iran and the United States' protection of the Strait of Hormuz by charging fees for the passage of ships through the strait at 20% of the value of the goods, calling the mission "Strait Protection Compensation", to cover the costs necessary to provide security and safety for navigation.
"The Strait of Hormuz is open and will remain open," Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that he is "immediately reinstating the naval blockade" that only prevents Iranian ships and their dealers from entering and exiting without affecting other vessels, noting that other countries will enjoy the right of fair use and freedom of navigation in the strait.
"From this moment on, the United States will have the right to custodianship of the Strait of Hormuz for 20 percent of the value of the goods," Trump said, claiming that this is a "fair and equitable percentage," considering it "compensation" for "the costs of providing security and protection."
Trump explained that these tariffs will apply to all countries except Iran, which will be completely barred from receiving and exiting ships.
Trump violates international law
The announcement sparked widespread controversy, as the 20% rate is too high compared to the fees normally applied in waterways, which do not exceed 1%, and international law prohibits the imposition of fees in international waters.
In addition, Axios quoted a US official as saying that the US Central Command will announce the exact timing of the start of imposing the 20% tariffs later on Monday, while a high-ranking Gulf source said that the US has not discussed with its allies in the region the issue of imposing tariffs in exchange for securing the Strait of Hormuz.
A U.S. defense official said the military had a plan to carry out additional strikes over several days on Iran's southern coast with the aim of weakening its ability to attack ships passing through the strait, adding that the southern route remains open, with at least 20 ships crossing in coordination with the United States with ships passing through without coordination.
Iran Threatens
On the other hand, Iran responded with repeated statements from its military commanders, with the spokesman of the Khatam al-Anbiya, Ibrahim Zolfaghari, warning that any US intervention in the management of the strait would be considered an "attack on Iran's sovereignty and national security," stressing that the Iranian armed forces would counter any attempt to impede the movement of commercial ships and oil tankers.
IRGC spokesman Brig. Gen. Hossein Mohebi stressed that Iran "exercises its sovereignty over the strait vigorously and competently," holding Washington fully responsible for threatening the security of global energy supplies.
The military escalation coincided with reciprocal strikes between Washington and Tehran, with the Revolutionary Guards announcing the closure of the strait to navigation until further notice, while US defence sources spoke of a plan to carry out additional strikes on Iran's southern coast to weaken its ability to attack ships.
These developments came after the collapse of a memorandum of understanding signed in June brokered by Qatar and Pakistan, which included a ceasefire, before Trump declared it ending on July 8.
Oil jumps above $94
Trump's remarks sent an immediate shock to global markets, with Brent crude jumping above $94 a barrel amid fears of supply disruptions in one of the most important energy sea lanes.
International insurers have raised risk fees on tankers to record levels, implying a direct increase in the cost of sea freight and a potential slowdown in global trade, and tensions have been reflected in natural gas contracts and freight rates, while shipping companies have begun to reassess their routes to avoid passing through the strait, which threatens to extend flight times and raise the cost of imports in European and Asian markets.
Experts and think tanks have warned that any U.S. move to impose military control over the strait would redraw the map of energy markets and open the door to a new wave of sharp price fluctuations, with the potential for contagion to the region's sovereign currency and debt markets.
They stressed that imposing a 20% tariff on the passage of goods would disrupt global supply chains and increase pressure on emerging economies that rely heavily on energy imports across the Gulf.
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