ALBAWABA- U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday a sweeping new policy for the Strait of Hormuz, declaring that the United States will assume the role of the waterway's "Guardian of the Strait of Hormuz," enforce a targeted blockade on Iranian shipping, and impose a 20% fee on the value of commercial cargo transiting the strategic maritime corridor to finance U.S. security operations.
In a statement outlining the new policy, Trump said the Strait of Hormuz would remain open to international shipping "with or without Iran's approval," while restrictions would apply exclusively to Iranian vessels and entities linked to Tehran.
"The Strait of Hormuz is open, and it will remain open, with or without Iran's approval. We are reimposing what is known as the 'Iranian blockade,' targeting only Iranian ships and those dealing with them, while all other countries will enjoy fair and open access to the strait," Trump said.
He added that the United States would henceforth be known as the "Guardian of the Strait of Hormuz" and would charge "compensation at a rate of 20% of the value of all shipments transported" to cover the costs of ensuring safety and security in what he described as one of the world's most volatile regions.
The announcement comes amid a sharp escalation in U.S.-Iran tensions following recent military exchanges between the two countries, including U.S. strikes on Iranian military facilities and Iranian retaliatory attacks targeting U.S. and allied bases in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz, which carries roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments, has long been a geopolitical flashpoint, with Iran repeatedly threatening to disrupt maritime traffic in response to sanctions or military pressure.
Trump argued that the United States has borne the burden of protecting freedom of navigation in the Gulf for decades and said the new policy would ensure that countries benefiting from secure passage contribute to the costs of maintaining it.
Under the proposal, the restrictions would apply only to Iranian vessels and entities associated with Tehran, while commercial shipping from other nations would continue to transit the strait subject to the newly announced fee.
The proposal is expected to trigger strong reactions from Iran and other major stakeholders, including China and key energy-importing nations that rely heavily on the Strait of Hormuz for global oil supplies.
The announcement could heighten regional tensions, complicate international shipping, and add upward pressure on global energy prices as governments and markets assess the implications of Washington's latest move. Implementation details and international responses are expected in the coming hours.
