US to take over Strait of Hormuz, charge 20 percent fee for cargo shipped through, Trump says
Donald Trump — 2026-07-13 09:40:00 — www.politico.com
Trump Claims U.S. Will Become “Guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz
Donald Trump declared that the United States will become the “guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz, according to a post he made on Truth Social. This statement, made in the context of ongoing tensions in the region, signals a bold assertion of American military and strategic dominance over one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.
Trump’s Assertive Position
By stating that the U.S. will assume the role of “guardian” of the strait, Trump is positioning the country as the primary protector of this vital waterway. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage connecting the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply is transported. Trump’s claim suggests a willingness to increase U.S. involvement and oversight in a region fraught with geopolitical risk.
Fact-Checking the Claim
Trump’s assertion raises questions about the feasibility and implications of such a role. The U.S. Navy has long maintained a presence in the region to ensure freedom of navigation, but becoming the explicit “guardian” of the strait would represent a significant escalation. No evidence was provided in the excerpt to support the claim that the U.S. has formally adopted this role, nor is there indication of international consensus or legal authority for the U.S. to unilaterally declare itself the “guardian” of an international waterway.
Pattern of Exaggerated Claims
This latest statement fits a broader pattern of Trump making sweeping declarations about U.S. power and influence, often without corresponding policy details or international backing. Such exaggerations can create confusion among allies and adversaries alike, and may complicate diplomatic efforts in an already volatile region.
Conclusion
Trump’s claim that the U.S. will become the “guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz underscores his tendency to make bold, sometimes unsubstantiated statements about American military power. While the U.S. continues to play a significant role in ensuring the security of international shipping lanes, Trump’s rhetoric goes beyond established policy and raises important questions about the future direction of U.S. engagement in the Middle East. Readers should remain attentive to the distinction between official policy and political posturing when evaluating such statements.
Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/13/donald-trump-strait-of-hormuz-fee-00994508