US to Impose Naval Blockade on Iran, Trump Announces 20% Tariff on Strait of Hormuz Cargo

The United States Navy is set to reimpose a blockade on all Iranian ports, as President Donald Trump announced a 20% tariff on any cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared the strait open but stated the US would be enforcing a blockade against Iran. “The Strait of Hormuz is OPEN and will remain OPEN, with or without Iran. We are reimposing a BLOCKADE on Iran,” Trump wrote, according to Reuters. He said the 20% tariff would serve as reimbursement for the US military’s work in securing the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian forces. “The US… will be reimbursed, at a rate of 20% of all cargo shipped, for any and all costs necessary to ensure safety and security in this highly volatile region of the world,” he added.

The Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC), led by the US Navy, had previously announced that the blockade of Iranian ports and coastal areas would commence at 20:00 GMT on 14 July. The decision was approved by President Trump. “US Central Command will begin enforcing a naval blockade of all Iranian ports and coastal areas,” a JMIC statement said. “All neutral vessels are hereby warned and given time until enforcement begins to depart the blockaded area.”

The blockade will cover the entirety of Iran’s southern coastline, including its ports and oil terminals. JMIC stated the measure would not impede neutral shipping transiting the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations, and that humanitarian aid shipments would be permitted following inspection. “Vessels assisting other ships in evading the blockade by conducting ship-to-ship transfers are suspected of cooperating with or acting on behalf of Iran and will be subject to boarding actions. Enforcement measures include disabling and destructive attacks on vessels that do not immediately comply with orders from blockade or inspection forces,” the statement added.