New Delhi, 13 July
Trump Declares US Will Become ‘Guardian’ of Strait of Hormuz, Plans to Collect Tolls
In a major geopolitical development, US Will Become Guardian of Strait of Hormuz after President Donald Trump announced that the United States intends to oversee security in the strategically important waterway and charge countries for protecting commercial shipping. The announcement has been strongly rejected by Iran, which warned that it would not allow any foreign power to interfere in the management of the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump made the announcement on Monday, July 13, through a post on his Truth Social platform before elaborating on the proposal during an interview with Fox News. He stated that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open “with or without Iran” and declared that the US Will Become Guardian of Strait of Hormuz to ensure uninterrupted global trade and maritime security.
According to Trump, the United States plans to recover the costs of maintaining security by collecting payments equivalent to 20 percent of the value of cargo transported through the Strait of Hormuz. He argued that countries benefiting from the strategic shipping lane should contribute financially rather than relying solely on the United States. Trump also claimed the proposal would take effect immediately, saying Washington could no longer be expected to secure one of the world’s busiest maritime routes without compensation. The announcement that US Will Become Guardian of Strait of Hormuz has drawn worldwide attention because of the waterway’s critical role in global energy supplies.
During his interview, Trump claimed negotiations with Iranian representatives had nearly resulted in an agreement after an 11-hour meeting before Tehran allegedly requested last-minute changes. Accusing Iran of repeatedly violating previous commitments, he said the United States was prepared to take a long-term role in safeguarding the shipping corridor. Trump also claimed that US forces carried out military strikes against Iranian targets overnight in response to continued attacks, although those claims have not been independently verified. His remarks reinforced his position that US Will Become Guardian of Strait of Hormuz regardless of Iran’s objections.
Iran responded by firmly rejecting the proposal. In a statement carried by state broadcaster IRIB, the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said Iran’s armed forces “do not and will not allow” the United States to interfere in the management of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian military officials accused Washington of escalating regional tensions and warned that any attempt to interfere with navigation or security in the area would receive a decisive response. Tehran’s statement came shortly after Trump’s declaration that US Will Become Guardian of Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) released footage claiming it had launched an operation named “Eye for an Eye”, targeting several US military facilities in Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait. Iranian state-affiliated media claimed the strikes damaged fuel depots, Patriot air defence systems, radar installations and ammunition storage facilities. However, these claims have not been independently verified. The IRGC warned that any further foreign military activity near the Strait of Hormuz could trigger additional retaliatory action.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically significant maritime chokepoints, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Nearly 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports pass through the narrow waterway each day, making it essential to international energy markets. Any disruption to shipping in the region could significantly affect global oil prices, supply chains and economic stability. Trump’s announcement that US Will Become Guardian of Strait of Hormuz has therefore intensified concerns among governments, shipping companies and financial markets worldwide.
Diplomatic observers believe the latest exchange of statements marks another escalation in the ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran. While the United States argues that enhanced security is necessary to protect international shipping, Iran insists that responsibility for the waterway cannot be transferred to any foreign nation. As the situation continues to develop, the proposal that US Will Become Guardian of Strait of Hormuz is expected to remain at the centre of international diplomatic and security discussions, with governments around the world closely monitoring developments in one of the world’s most important maritime corridors.