Trump says U.S. will block Iranian ships in Hormuz and charge toll
The president announced a revived blockade and 20% cargo fee after another weekend of U.S.-Iranian fire, NPR reported.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
2 min read
President Trump said the United States will stop Iranian ships and Iran-linked customers from using the Strait of Hormuz, NPR reported. He also said ships from other countries could pass through the waterway if they pay a 20% toll on cargo, adding a new flashpoint after another weekend of U.S.-Iranian attacks.
Trump announced the move in an online post, according to NPR. He described it as a return of what he called the “Iranian blockade,” saying it would apply only to Iran’s vessels or customers entering or leaving through the strait.
The president said other nations would still be allowed to move through the passage, NPR reported. He said the United States would collect a 20% cargo toll as compensation for providing safety and security in what he described as a highly unstable part of the world.
NPR reported that the position marks a shift from past U.S. arguments against imposing tolls or fees on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The report did not describe how the toll would be collected, how the blockade would be enforced or when the measures would take effect.
The announcement comes after the United States and Iran exchanged fire for a third straight weekend, according to NPR. The renewed strikes have raised fears that a fragile ceasefire reached in June could give way to a broader war.
Iranian leaders have insisted that Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, NPR reported. Trump’s statement directly challenges that claim by asserting a U.S. role in deciding which ships may enter or leave the passage.
The strait has been at the center of the latest confrontation between Washington and Tehran, according to NPR. A photo distributed by AFPTV and AFP via Getty Images showed cargo ships anchored near the Strait of Hormuz off the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates at Khor Fakkan on Sunday.
NPR described the situation as developing. The report did not include an immediate response from Iranian officials to Trump’s latest statement.
This story draws on original reporting from NPR.