Trump reimposes Iran blockade, pledges 20% levy for Hormuz shipping

President Trump said the U.S. is reinstating a naval blockade on Iran and will charge a 20% levy on cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz, claiming the strait will remain open with U.S. protection. He floated the possibility of taking over the strait and described himself as the guardian of the strait, while Iran said passage remains disrupted. The move heightens U.S.–Iran tensions as oil prices rise and negotiations continue in the wider conflict.