Trump Restarts Iran Blockade As Hormuz Tensions Escalate

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday, July 13, that the United States would restore a blockade of all Iranian ports and coastlines and impose a transit charge equivalent to 20% of the value of goods transported through the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. military said the blockade measures would officially take effect at 20:00 GMT on July 15.

Trump Notifies Congress Of Renewed Military Operations Against Iran

Trump formally notified Congress on Friday, July 10, that the United States had resumed military operations against Iran, fulfilling his reporting obligations under the War Powers Resolution.

Under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, the president is required to notify Congress within 48 hours after introducing U.S. armed forces into hostilities or situations where hostilities are imminent. The notification itself does not authorize military action but satisfies the reporting requirement, while Congress retains its constitutional oversight responsibilities.

U.S. To Impose Maritime Blockade On Iranian Ports And Coastline

The U.S. Navy's Joint Maritime Information Center announced on July 13 that the United States would begin a maritime blockade covering all Iranian ports and coastal areas from 20:00 GMT on July 14.

The blockade will apply to all vessels regardless of flag and will cover Iran's entire coastline, including ports and oil terminals.

Neutral vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz to destinations outside Iran will not be restricted. Humanitarian shipments will be permitted but subject to inspection.

Trump Proposes 20% Fee On Goods Passing Through Strait Of Hormuz

Trump said the United States would from now on be known as the "Guardian of the Strait of Hormuz" and argued that, based on fairness, the U.S. should receive compensation equal to 20% of all cargo value passing through the strategic waterway to cover the costs of maintaining security and stability in one of the world's most volatile regions.

The proposed measure would mean that cargo ships and oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz would be charged a fee equivalent to 20% of the value of their transported goods.

For a fully loaded supertanker carrying crude oil, the 20% charge would amount to roughly $30 million, based on an oil price of around $80 per barrel and a vessel capacity of approximately 2 million barrels of crude.

Trump said related procedures and mechanisms would begin immediately.

The White House has not released further details, including how the 20% fee would be collected, which countries would be responsible for payment, or whether coordination has taken place with Gulf allies.

By comparison, Iran previously charged up to $2 million per voyage.

Iran Says Hormuz Security Fees Are Reasonable But 20% Charge Is Excessive

Iran's Foreign Minister said Trump was correct that any party providing security for commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz should receive compensation.

He said Iran has always been the guardian of the strait and would continue to be so, but added that a 20% charge was too high and that Iran would impose a reasonable fee.

IMO Says 20% Hormuz Transit Fee Proposal Has No Legal Basis

Trump's proposal to impose a 20% charge on goods passing through the Strait of Hormuz has drawn opposition from the International Maritime Organization.

An IMO spokesperson said the organization was aware of the proposal and was awaiting further details. The organization strongly opposes charging fees on straits used for international navigation, saying mandatory transit charges have no legal basis.

Trump Says Gulf Allies Should Pay For U.S. Protection

On July 13, Trump said the United States was protecting several wealthy Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, and argued that these countries should provide compensation.

Trump said the United States had invested resources in the region and that protected countries should cover related costs.

He also claimed that, including oil production from locations such as Venezuela, the United States controls more than half of global oil supplies and therefore does not depend on Middle Eastern oil. He said U.S. actions in the region were mainly aimed at protecting allies.

Trump To Deliver National Address As Hormuz Tensions Escalate

Trump said he would deliver a national address at 9 p.m. on Thursday as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to increase. He did not provide details about the content of the speech.

Although markets had previously expected dialogue between the United States and Iran following the signing of a memorandum of understanding, the timing and content of Trump's planned address could signal a renewed escalation of the conflict.