Trump Claims US Will Levy Fees on Shipping in the Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump has asserted that the United States, not Iran, will impose charges on vessels transiting the strategic Strait of Hormuz. “It has to be that way. I won’t let them charge. If anyone is going to charge, it will be us,” Trump told reporters on Monday local time. The strong statement came in response to questions about the possibility of Iran restoring full freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Tensions in the region have steadily increased following a series of military and diplomatic incidents between the two countries throughout 2026. Relations had briefly shown signs of easing when Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding on 18 June to end a conflict that had been ongoing since 28 February. However, the stability was short-lived. On 8 July, Trump unilaterally declared the ceasefire void. Since the cancellation, the United States military has launched several waves of airstrikes against targets inside Iran. The United States Central Command stated the military operations were a direct response to Iranian actions against commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on American military bases in several Middle Eastern countries. Tensions peaked on 12 July when Iran announced the total closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran insisted the waterway would remain closed until the United States ceased all military intervention in the region. Responding to the closure, Trump proclaimed the United States as the “guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz on 13 July. In addition to claiming control over the shipping lane, Trump also announced the re-imposition of a tight blockade on Iran’s main ports, further worsening the economic and security crisis in the Gulf region.