Trump Declares Reinstated Iran Blockade; U.S. Assumes Hormuz Protection

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Monday the re-imposition of a blockade on Iran, stating the United States would assume responsibility for protecting the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump affirmed, "The Strait of Hormuz is open and will remain open, regardless of Iran's presence." He clarified that "the reinstated Iranian blockade is named thus because it will only prevent vessels of Iran or its proxies from entering or exiting, while all other nations will enjoy fair and open use of the Strait." Trump added that the U.S. would henceforth be known as the "Protector of the Strait of Hormuz." He declared that, in this role and for fairness, his nation would be compensated 20% of the value of all shipments transported, to cover necessary security and safety costs for this turbulent region. Implementation, he noted, would begin immediately.