Trump reinstates Iran port blockade, imposes 20% charge on Hormuz cargo

Washington announced that the United States will levy a 20 percent surcharge on all cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that channels roughly a fifth of the world’s petroleum shipments. The measure, disclosed by the president during a press briefing, is intended to offset perceived security costs associated with the heavily trafficked route, which lies between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman and has been a focal point of regional tensions for decades.

U.S. officials indicated that the charge will apply to commercial vessels regardless of flag or cargo type, with collection mechanisms to be coordinated through existing customs and maritime reporting systems. The policy is expected to raise significant revenue for the federal budget while potentially increasing shipping costs for importers and exporters worldwide. Analysts note that the move could prompt reactions from regional powers and affect global freight rates, though the administration emphasized that the surcharge is a fiscal response rather than a trade restriction.