President Donald Trump stated on July 14, 2026, that the United States should be reimbursed for its efforts to protect the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane. He suggested that wealthy Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain, should contribute to the costs associated with this protection. Trump emphasized the financial burden on the U.S. and expressed a desire for reimbursement at a rate of 20% on all cargo shipped through the strait.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared that the U.S. would be known as 'the guardians of the Hormuz Strait' and announced the reinstatement of 'the Iranian blockade,' which he described as targeting only Iranian vessels while allowing others to pass freely. His comments came as U.S. Central Command reported ongoing military actions against Iran following tensions that arose after Iran fired on commercial vessels in the area.
Trump's proposal contrasts with previous statements from senior administration officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who opposed any tolls or fees on international waterways. Rubio had stated that no country is permitted to charge such fees, a sentiment echoed by Vice President JD Vance during discussions about reopening the waterway amid negotiations with Iran.