Trump reinstates Hormuz blockade, orders 20% cargo fee amid fresh US‑Iran strikes

President Donald Trump announced that the United States will reinstate a naval blockade of Iranian ports and declare the U.S. the “guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz. He said the U.S. will charge a flat 20 % fee on the value of any cargo transiting the strait, arguing the cost covers security and protection for Gulf allies such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait.

On the same day U.S. Central Command reported a third consecutive night of air strikes against Iranian military sites, hitting targets in Bushehr, Chabahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa and Bandar Abbas. The attacks were described as “very hard” and aimed at degrading Iran’s missile, drone and naval capabilities.

Iran responded with missile attacks on two UAE‑flagged tankers in the strait, killing an Indian crew member and wounding eight others, and launched rockets at Bahrain and Jordan. The United Arab Emirates warned of retaliation.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned the 20 % charge as “piracy,” linking it to rising food prices caused by the broader Middle‑East war. Brent crude rose more than 9 % as markets reacted to the escalation.