President Donald Trump clarified that the reinstated naval blockade targets only Iranian ships and customers, and announced that the 20% fee on all cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz will begin immediately. The US also declared itself the 'Guardian of the Hormuz Strait,' according to a statement from the president.
President Donald Trump clarified on Monday evening that the reinstated US naval blockade of Iran targets only Iranian ships and customers, and that the 20% fee on all cargo traversing the Strait of Hormuz will take effect immediately. The US also formally adopted the title 'Guardian of the Hormuz Strait,' according to a statement from the president.
The clarification follows a series of Trump statements earlier Monday. At 17:21 Jerusalem, Trump announced the reinstatement of the naval blockade and the 20% fee, calling on the US to be the 'Guardian of the Strait of Hormuz.' At 17:24 he declared the strait 'open and will remain open, with or without Iran.' At 17:27, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responded that it maintains its authority over the strait. At 18:42, The Zioneer reported the full scope of the announcement, including the fee.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, and the US-Iran standoff over its control has been a key flashpoint. As The Zioneer reported on Jun 15, Trump had demanded an immediate and unconditional reopening of the strait, and on Jun 16 he said strong US leadership is the only way to keep it open. The new 'Iranian blockade' is designed to restrict Iranian shipping while allowing other nations free passage.
It remains unclear how Iran will respond to the immediate implementation of the fee and the targeted blockade. The IRGC's earlier statement suggests it does not accept the US assertion of sole authority over the strait.
7 developments
- DevelopingUS Central Command says naval blockade on Iran in Strait of Hormuz now in effect
- DevelopingReport: Trump demands immediate, non-phased reopening of Strait of Hormuz and end to naval blockade
- DevelopingIRGC insists on Strait of Hormuz authority after Trump declares US as 'guardian'
- ConfirmedUS military maintains blockade on Iranian ports until Friday deal signing; Strait of Hormuz remains closed
Source and signal
- Internal intake