US President Donald Trump has announced a new blockade targeting Iranian ports, barring "Iran's ships or customers" from entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz. The move reinstates previous restrictions and introduces a 20 per cent levy on all cargo shipped through the strategic waterway.
New levy covers security costs
Trump described the charge as a measure to cover the costs of providing safety and security in what he called a "volatile" region. "The U.S.A. will be, from this point forward, known as 'THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT,' but as such, and as a matter of FAIRNESS, will be reimbursed, at the rate of 20% on all cargo shipped, for any and all costs necessary to do the job of providing safety and security to this very volatile section of the World," he added. "The process and formation will begin immediately."
Background of the conflict
The announcement comes after Iran had sought to charge tolls for commercial vessels passing the key waterway — which was previously toll-free before the US and Israel unleashed their war on Iran on February 28. A previous document stipulated that vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz for a 60-day period would not be charged and guaranteed "safe passage" while Iranian and US negotiators hashed out a final deal to conclude the conflict.
Iran's response and regional talks
Iran stated: "The Islamic Republic of Iran will conduct dialog with the Sultanate of Oman to define the future administration and maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz in discussion with other Persian Gulf or littoral states in line with the applicable international law and the sovereign rights of coastal states of the Strait of Hormuz."
