Trump Announces U.S. Blockade of Iranian Ships in Strait of Hormuz Amid Escalating Gulf Tensions

POTUS is absolutely right. Whoever provides secure and safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz should be compensated for this service.

Iran has always been the GUARDIAN of the Strait and will remain so FOREVER.

20% is of course too much. We will be fair

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) July 13, 2026

According to the announcement, the United States carried out strikes using three Corsair unmanned surface vessels, marking the first combat deployment of the platform. The operation targeted a submarine facility at Bandar Abbas, along with defensive positions at Bushehr and Chah Bahar. The strikes were presented as a response to Iran's attacks on commercial tankers operating in the region.

President Donald Trump described the action as an "Iranian Blockade," stating that the measures are intended to restrict Iranian vessels while allowing non-Iranian ships to continue transiting the Strait of Hormuz. He also announced that fees would be imposed to reimburse the costs of maritime security operations associated with protecting commercial navigation through the strategically vital waterway.

The announcement follows the breakdown of a 60-day ceasefire and a slowdown in shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, developments that have intensified concerns over global energy supplies and contributed to higher oil prices.

Iran's Foreign Minister agreed in principle to the idea of compensation but asserted that Iran remains the eternal guardian of the Strait of Hormuz. The minister also argued that the proposed 20 percent fee is excessive, highlighting continuing disagreements over the financial and operational framework of the maritime security measures.

President Trump is expected to deliver a national address on Thursday, when he is anticipated to outline the administration's position and provide further details on the operation and the blockade policy.

The latest developments underscore a sharp escalation in the confrontation between the United States and Iran, placing renewed focus on the security of the Strait of Hormuz, the stability of global energy markets, and the future of maritime navigation through one of the world's most strategically important shipping corridors.