Trump reinstates Iran port blockade and imposes 20% charge on cargo passing through Hormuz

Donald Trump says the US is reinstating its blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, beginning "immediately"

In a post on Truth Social, he says the US will be the "guardian" of the vital waterway and impose a 20% charge on all cargo shipped to pay for the cost of "safety and security" - how this will work in practice is unclear, writes our White House reporter

Earlier, Iran's military said it wouldn't allow the US to "interfere in the management" of the key shipping route

Meanwhile, the US and Iran have continued to exchange strikes - US Central Command (Centcom) said overnight it had hit a submarine and Iranian ship maintenance facility, in response to Iran targeting commercial ships in the strait

While a small number of vessels appear to be moving through the key waterway, traffic remains restricted, according to ship tracking website MarineTraffic

Iran has said it is targeting US bases in Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait, plus radar systems in Oman - Bahrain accuses Iran of targeting civilians

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important shipping routes, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. Nearly one-fifth of the world's oil and a significant amount of liquefied natural gas (LNG) pass through this narrow waterway every day. Any disruption in this region has the potential to affect global trade, fuel prices, and economic stability.

According to the claim, former U.S. President Donald Trump has reinstated a blockade targeting Iranian ports and introduced a 20% charge on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz. If such a policy were officially implemented, it would represent a major shift in U.S. foreign policy and could significantly increase tensions in the Middle East.

A blockade or additional transit charge could make shipping more expensive for companies transporting oil, gas, and commercial goods. Shipping firms would likely pass these extra costs on to customers, leading to higher prices for fuel, food, electronics, and many other imported products around the world. Countries that depend heavily on oil imports from the Gulf region would be especially affected.

Iran has repeatedly stated that the Strait of Hormuz is a strategic waterway and has warned against actions that threaten its interests. Any attempt to restrict Iranian trade or impose new economic measures could trigger diplomatic disputes and increase the risk of military confrontation in the region. International organizations and major world powers would likely call for dialogue to avoid further escalation.

The United States has long used economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure as tools to influence Iran's policies. Supporters of stronger measures argue that they are necessary to increase pressure on Tehran over its nuclear program and regional activities. Critics, however, believe that additional restrictions could destabilize global energy markets and increase inflation worldwide.

Global financial markets closely monitor developments in the Strait of Hormuz because even small disruptions can lead to rapid increases in oil prices. Investors often react by moving money into safer assets such as gold, while stock markets may experience increased volatility. Energy companies, shipping firms, and governments all pay close attention to any policy changes affecting this critical trade route.

If a 20% cargo charge were introduced, shipping companies might consider alternative routes where possible. However, there are limited practical alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz, meaning many vessels would still need to use the passage despite higher costs. This could reduce profit margins for businesses and increase transportation expenses across multiple industries.

At the same time, governments in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East would likely seek diplomatic solutions to maintain freedom of navigation and ensure that global trade continues without major interruptions. International cooperation would be essential to prevent further economic uncertainty.

It is important to note that major geopolitical claims like this should always be verified through official government announcements and reliable news organizations before being treated as confirmed facts. Developments involving the United States, Iran, and the Strait of Hormuz can change rapidly, making accurate and up-to-date information essential.