Trump announces renewed naval blockade on Iran, says Hormuz toll to start at 20%

WASHINGTON, United States — WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that a renewed naval blockade would be imposed on Iran, targeting only vessels linked to Tehran or its partners. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the Strait of Hormuz would remain open to other shipping, with the blockade applying solely to Iranian and Iran-affiliated vessels. Trump declared that the United States would henceforth be known as the "guardian of the Strait of Hormuz" and said 20% of the value of all cargo transiting the waterway would be paid to Washington in return. He added that the measures would take effect immediately and that required arrangements were being put in place without delay. Iran's General Staff responded with its own statement, warning that passage without Iranian authorization is prohibited. It said Iranian forces would respond firmly if the U.S. military attempts to block ship traffic or threaten security, and that vessels would not be permitted to deviate from designated routes. The exchange follows Trump's earlier statement that control of the Strait of Hormuz would be handed to the United States and that a fee would be charged for protecting the strategic waterway.