Trump: US to become ‘Guardian of Hormuz Strait,’ charge 20% on cargo

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States would become the "Guardian of the Hormuz Strait" and seek a 20% payment on cargo passing through the strategic waterway. This declaration followed his assertion that Iran had broken a previously undisclosed "done deal" with Washington. Trump stated, "The U.S.A. will be, from this point forward, known as 'THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT,'" and that the U.S. would demand reimbursement "at the rate of 20% on all cargo shipped" to cover security costs. He also announced a reinstatement of an "Iranian blockade," restricting only Iranian vessels and their customers while ensuring "fair and open use of the Strait" for other countries. These announcements came amidst escalating military confrontations, including recent U.S. strikes against Iran and continued Iranian missile and drone attacks in the Persian Gulf. Iran, in response, warned that continued U.S. attacks could expand the war across the Middle East, threatening forceful responses to unauthorized shipping and considering cooperation with Washington as an act of war.