Trump to Impose 20% Security Tariff on Cargo Ships Amid Hormuz Strait Blockade
United States President Donald Trump has announced the reinstatement of the Iran blockade policy and a plan to impose a 20% levy on all cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The policy is claimed as compensation for the US role in maintaining security in the strategic shipping lane.
Via the Truth Social platform, Trump asserted that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open for international shipping despite escalating tensions with Iran. “The Strait of Hormuz is open, and will remain open, with or without Iran,” Trump wrote, as reported by Anadolu on Tuesday (14/7).
According to Trump, the blockade policy is only aimed at ships or parties with links to Iran. Meanwhile, other countries are still permitted to use the Strait of Hormuz without restrictions. “We are reinstating the Iran Blockade, so named because it only stops Iranian ships or customers from entering or leaving. All other nations will have fair and open use of the Strait,” he said.
Trump also stated that the United States would act as the guardian of the Strait of Hormuz and would impose a 20% levy on all cargo transiting the area. “From now on, the US will be known as the guardian of the Strait of Hormuz. In fairness, we will obtain a 20% cost reimbursement from all cargo shipped to cover the cost of providing safety and security in this highly conflict-prone region,” Trump stated.
Shortly after the announcement, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) declared it would re-impose a blockade on maritime traffic heading to or departing from Iranian ports starting Tuesday at 16:00 local time. In a statement via platform X, CENTCOM explained that the restrictions only apply to vessels sailing to or from Iranian coastal areas and ports. Other vessels not covered by the blockade are still permitted to transit the area.
“The reactivation of the US blockade against Iran follows the initial implementation which lasted from 13 April to 18 June,” the CENTCOM statement read. CENTCOM also detailed the results of the previous blockade. During that period, US forces diverted more than 140 compliant vessels, stopped nine non-compliant vessels, and allowed more than 50 commercial ships carrying humanitarian aid to continue transiting.
The blockade policy had previously been lifted after Pakistan mediated the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran in June 2026. The agreement opened the door for further negotiations for at least 60 days, including discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme.
At the end of its statement, CENTCOM urged all vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman or on routes towards the Strait of Hormuz to continue monitoring navigational notices and maintain communication with the US Navy via VHF radio channel 16.