US President Donald Trump has declared the United States the “Guardian of the Strait of Hormuz” and announced a 20% toll on the value of all cargo transiting the waterway. Trump stated that the collected funds will cover US security expenses in the region. He also announced that the US is reinstating a naval blockade of Iranian ports, effective July 14 at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time (20:00 GMT). US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that implementation of the blockade will begin immediately.
In response, the high command of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has threatened a “flame of war” that will engulf all countries in the region. Iran’s Foreign Minister also stated that Tehran will remain the “guardian” of the strait.
IMO Reaction to Strait of Hormuz Tolls
The UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) has opposed the US administration’s initiative. An IMO spokesperson stated that the organization strongly objects to imposing fees for transit through straits used for international navigation. The IMO emphasized that there is no legal basis for mandatory transit fees through the Strait of Hormuz and said it expects official clarification from Washington.
Response of Iran’s Military Command
The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters of the Iranian Armed Forces categorically rejected US claims to control the waterway. The Iranian military called Washington’s actions a provocation and stated they are already taking measures to counter US interference. Tehran warned that any cooperation by third countries with the US in the Strait of Hormuz will be treated as an act of war, and that an escalation could engulf the entire region. The Iranian parliament added that the state does not need foreign mercenaries to protect its borders.
Military Strikes and Failed Talks
The blockade follows Iranian attacks on cargo vessels in the strait and a subsequent series of retaliatory US strikes on Iranian military targets. Donald Trump confirmed that a successful CENTCOM operation disabled Iran’s air defense system and destroyed a significant portion of its military hardware. Trump also mentioned unproductive 11-hour negotiations with an Iranian delegation, accusing Tehran of repeatedly trying to stall and alter the terms of the agreements.