By Zoila Palma: U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a 20 percent fee on all cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz, declaring that the United States will serve as the “guardian” of the vital shipping route.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump also said the U.S. would reimpose its blockade of Iranian ports near the strait as tensions with Tehran continue to escalate following renewed military exchanges.
Trump said the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments, would remain open “with or without Iran” and that all countries except Iran would have fair access to the route, CNBC reports.
He argued that the United States should be compensated for providing security in the volatile region, stating that commercial vessels would be required to pay a 20 percent charge to cover the costs of protecting maritime traffic.
The announcement triggered an immediate reaction in global markets, with oil prices rising sharply while stock markets declined amid concerns over increased instability in the Middle East.
However, questions remain about how the proposed fee would be implemented, and the White House has yet to provide details. Analysts also questioned whether the U.S. could guarantee safe passage through the strait, with some describing the proposal as unrealistic and potentially unenforceable.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, carrying a significant share of global oil exports. While the U.S. has previously provided naval escorts for commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf, experts noted that charging a fee of this scale would be unprecedented.
Trump’s latest proposal follows the collapse of a temporary ceasefire with Iran, which had prohibited Tehran from imposing tolls on commercial shipping through the waterway.
The post International News: Trump proposes 20% toll on Strait of Hormuz Cargo, reimposes Iran Port blockade appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a 20 percent fee on all cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz, declaring that the United States will serve as the “guardian” of the vital shipping route. In a post on Truth Social, Trump also said the U.S. would reimpose its blockade
The post International News: Trump proposes 20% toll on Strait of Hormuz Cargo, reimposes Iran Port blockade appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
