President Donald Trump announced on July 13, 2026, that the U.S. will impose a 20% fee on all cargo shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, declaring the U.S. as the 'guardian' of this key oil shipping route. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that the U.S. would also reinstate its blockade of Iranian ports near the strait, which has been a focal point of escalating tensions with Iran.
Trump's announcement follows Iran's claims regarding the strait and its plans to charge ships passing through it. He asserted that commercial vessels must now pay the U.S. for protection while transiting the strait. Following the announcement, oil prices increased, and stock indexes declined. Trump emphasized that the strait will remain open for all countries except Iran and mentioned that the U.S. would be reimbursed for providing safety and security in the area.
The White House has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the specifics of this proposed reimbursement policy. Experts have raised concerns about the feasibility of the U.S. guaranteeing safe passage, with David Goldwyn, a former U.S. State Department special envoy, describing the proposed charge as 'extortionate.' Trump had previously hinted at this policy during a Fox News interview, stating that the U.S. would be compensated for its protective role in the strait.
The U.S. has historically provided protection to vessels in the Persian Gulf, including during the 1980s for Kuwaiti ships under threat from Iran. However, the current situation has been complicated by ongoing conflicts and a ceasefire deal that has been undermined by attacks in the region. Trump had previously indicated that the U.S. could charge fees for transiting commercial vessels if the ceasefire was not upheld.