Trump Announces Restrictions on Iranian Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the re-implementation of a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, specifically targeting Iranian vessels. Furthermore, he stated that commercial cargo from other nations passing through the strait will be subject to a 20% tariff on its total value.

According to President Trump, the Strait of Hormuz will remain open to international traffic, despite the exclusion of Iranian vessels. The blockade is intended to prevent ships owned by or serving the interests of Iran from entering or exiting the waterway. U.S. authorities have indicated that the revenue generated from these levies will be utilized to cover the costs of maintaining security within the strait.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has countered this move, asserting that no fees or tariffs should be imposed on vessels transiting through the strait. The organization emphasized that the right of free and unhindered passage must be upheld for international shipping lanes.

Additionally, the IMO condemned recent attacks on commercial merchant vessels in and near the Strait of Hormuz, calling for a de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East. The organization reiterated that any measures to regulate traffic on critical maritime routes must strictly adhere to international maritime security standards.

Reports indicate that the U.S. military is preparing to enforce the blockade. According to Axios, the operation is scheduled to commence at 4:00 PM Eastern Time on July 14, 2026.

This development follows the breakdown of a temporary truce between the U.S. and Iran, which resulted in a renewed exchange of hostilities. The escalating situation in the Strait of Hormuz has triggered global concerns regarding oil shipments and volatility in energy prices.