US Blockades Iran, Trump Imposes 20% Tariff on Hormuz Strait Cargo

The United States has imposed a naval blockade on all Iranian ports and coastal areas, with President Donald Trump announcing a 20 per cent tariff on all cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stated the levy would serve as reimbursement for the military costs of securing the strategic waterway. “The Strait of Hormuz is OPEN and will remain OPEN, with or without Iran. We are imposing a BLOCKADE on Iran,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “The US will be reimbursed, at a rate of 20% of all cargo shipped, for the cost of providing safety and security in this highly conflicted part of the world.” The Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC), led by the US Navy, confirmed the blockade of all Iranian ports and coastal areas came into force at 20.00 GMT on 14 July. The US Central Command is enforcing the measure, which covers the entirety of Iran’s southern coastline, including oil terminals. Neutral vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to or from destinations other than Iran are permitted to continue sailing, and humanitarian aid shipments will be allowed following inspection. However, JMIC warned that any ship assisting others in evading the blockade through ship-to-ship cargo transfers would be suspected of collaborating with Iran and subjected to boarding and inspection. “Enforcement measures include disabling and destructive attacks against vessels that fail to immediately comply with orders from blockade forces or inspection teams,” the statement added.