TNI Bureau: In a dramatic announcement that could reshape global maritime trade and intensify geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that the United States would assume the role of the “Guardian of the Hormuz Strait” and impose a 20% reimbursement charge on all cargo transiting the strategic waterway to cover the cost of ensuring its security.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump asserted that the Strait of Hormuz “is OPEN, and will remain OPEN, with or without Iran,” while announcing the reinstatement of what he called the “Iranian Blockade.”

According to the US President, the blockade would only restrict Iranian ships and vessels trading with Iran, while all other nations would continue to enjoy unrestricted access through the vital shipping lane.

Trump further stated that the United States would safeguard navigation through the Strait and, “as a matter of fairness,” would be reimbursed at the rate of 20% on all cargo shipped to offset the costs of maintaining security in one of the world’s most volatile maritime regions. He added that the “process and formation will begin immediately.”

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, handling nearly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade. Any disruption to shipping through the narrow passage has immediate implications for global energy markets, freight costs, inflation and supply chains.

The proposal marks a significant departure from longstanding international maritime practices. While the United States has traditionally played a major role in ensuring freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf through its naval presence, charging commercial vessels for security services would represent an unprecedented policy shift.

Legal experts are likely to scrutinize the proposal under international maritime law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which guarantees the right of transit passage through international straits.

The announcement is also expected to trigger strong reactions from Iran, Gulf nations, major energy importers such as India, China, Japan and South Korea, as well as shipping companies and global insurers. Any additional transit cost could significantly raise freight charges, potentially affecting global crude oil prices and increasing import bills for energy-dependent economies.

Financial markets and the shipping industry are expected to closely monitor whether the proposal translates into an official U.S. policy through executive action or military deployment. With Trump indicating that implementation will begin immediately, the coming days could prove crucial in determining the international response to one of the most consequential maritime security proposals in recent years.