Trump Restores Iran-Only Naval Blockade and Announces 20% Cargo Charge

President Donald Trump announced that the United States is reinstating an Iran-only naval blockade, targeting Iranian ships and vessels serving Iranian customers while leaving the Strait of Hormuz open to other countries. He said Washington would become the waterway’s “guardian” and seek reimbursement equal to 20% of covered cargo for providing security. Trump said formation and implementation of the mechanism would begin immediately. The announcement followed renewed U.S.-Iran clashes after Trump said an 11-hour negotiation produced agreed terms before Iran returned with changes Washington rejected.