Trump threatens 20% toll on Strait of Hormuz vessel traffic

Monday July 13, 2026 | INTERNATIONAL NEWS [Posted at 3:40 pm PT] by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends The Strait of Hormuz is a critical trade route that is controlled by Iran. Since Trump declared US war against Iran on February 28, interruptions of cargo ships and oil tanker traffic through the Strait [...] The post Trump threatens 20% toll on Strait of Hormuz vessel traffic appeared first on Island Social Trends .

Monday July 13, 2026 | INTERNATIONAL NEWS [Posted at 3:40 pm PT] by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends The Strait of Hormuz is a critical trade route that is controlled by Iran.

Since Trump declared US war against Iran on February 28, interruptions of cargo ships and oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has contributed to economic disruption around the world. Since the US-Israeli war with Iran broke out, shipping companies have been calling for greater protection for vessels to safely travel along the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump now says the United States can provide that, for a fee (toll) of 20% fee on cargo moving through the waterway.

The blockade is currently said to be going back in effect tomorrow. Last month, Secreatry of State Marco Rubio said that it’s convention to not charge for passage on international passageways. “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,” Trump said in a Truth Social post yesterday, July 12.

The US Navy incurs costs to currently manage the Strait. Shippers pay carriers 2% to 3% of the value of their goods in fees, according to McCown, former CEO of shipping logistics company Trailer Bridge. A fee around 10 times the size would likely be entirely unaffordable to shippers, he said.

Insurers may refuse to cover boats transiting the Strait of Hormuz if they deem the security risks are too high, regardless of whether owners are willing to pay for US protection.