Donald J. Trump: “The Hormuz Strait is OPEN, and will remain OPEN, with or without Iran. We ar…
Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-13 09:16:00 — trumpstruth.org
Trump Declares U.S. “Guardian of the Hormuz Strait,” Announces 20% Cargo Fee and “Iranian Blockade”
President Donald J. Trump has announced a sweeping new policy regarding the Strait of Hormuz, declaring, “The Hormuz Strait is OPEN, and will remain OPEN, with or without Iran.” In his statement, Trump said the United States is “reinstating the THE IRANIAN BLOCKADE, so named because it is only stopping Iran’s ships or customers from entering or leaving.” He further asserted that “all other countries will have fair and open use of the Strait.”
Trump’s Claims and Proposed Actions
Trump’s message outlines a plan for the U.S. to be “known as ‘THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT,’” and demands that the U.S. 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 stated that this process and formation would “begin immediately.”
Fact-Checking Trump’s Statements
Trump’s claim that the U.S. can unilaterally impose a 20% fee on all cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz raises significant legal and diplomatic questions. The Strait is an international waterway governed by international law, and such a fee would require broad international agreement, not unilateral enforcement. No evidence is provided in Trump’s statement that other nations have agreed to this arrangement or that such a fee could be enforced without severe global backlash.
Additionally, Trump’s use of the term “Iranian Blockade” to describe a policy that “is only stopping Iran’s ships or customers from entering or leaving” is misleading. Under international law, a blockade is considered an act of war unless authorized by the United Nations Security Council. There is no indication in Trump’s statement that such authorization exists or that the international community supports this move.
Exaggerations and Distortions
Trump’s assertion that “all other countries will have fair and open use of the Strait” ignores the potential for escalation and disruption that could result from targeting Iranian shipping and its customers. The claim that the U.S. can guarantee safety and security in this “very volatile section of the World” while imposing new restrictions and fees is a significant exaggeration of U.S. capabilities and international acceptance.
Conclusion
President Trump’s declaration regarding the Strait of Hormuz and the so-called “Iranian Blockade” contains several misleading claims and exaggerations. The proposed 20% cargo fee and the assertion of unilateral U.S. control over an international waterway are not supported by international law or diplomatic consensus. As tensions in the region remain high, Trump’s statements risk further destabilizing a critical global shipping route, while raising serious questions about the legality and practicality of his proposed actions.