Donald Trump has reimposed a blockade on Iranian ports linked to the Strait of Hormuz, deepening already dangerous tensions over one of the world’s most important shipping routes.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the United States was restoring the blockade “immediately” and would act as the “guardian” of the narrow waterway, according to BBC News. He also said cargo passing through the strait would face a 20% charge to cover what he called the cost of “safety and security,” though it is not clear how such a system would work in practice.
The announcement comes as Washington and Tehran continue to trade strikes. US Central Command said overnight that American forces hit an Iranian submarine and a ship maintenance facility, in response to Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the strait. For now, some ships are still moving through the area, but traffic remains heavily restricted, according to MarineTraffic.
Iran has pushed back sharply, saying it will not allow the United States to interfere in the management of the key route. Iranian officials have also said they are targeting US bases in Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait, as well as radar systems in Oman. Bahrain, meanwhile, has accused Iran of targeting civilians.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow but vital passage through which a large share of global oil and gas supplies flow. Any disruption there can quickly ripple across energy markets and raise fears of wider conflict. For now, the situation remains tense, uncertain, and highly volatile, with both sides showing little sign of stepping back.
