Tehran: A new flashpoint has emerged over the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump announced that every cargo ship passing through the strategic waterway would face a 20% transit duty, claiming the United States is now responsible for securing the route. The proposal has sparked a sharp reaction from Iran, with Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi issuing a direct response to Trump on X.
What did Araghchi say?
Araghchi wrote sarcastically, “Trump is absolutely right. Whoever gives safe passage to the ships should get compensation. But Iran has always been the protector of this strait and always will be.” On the 20% fee, he said, “20 percent is too much. We want a fair fee. Will take.
What plan did Trump tell?
Trump had said in his Truth Social post that America will henceforth be called the “protector of the Strait of Hormuz”. In lieu of providing security, there will be a 20% duty on all cargo. This process will start immediately. Trump also said the strait will remain open to shipping, but the move is actually a return to the blockade targeting Iran.
Has America started the blockade again?
American Central Command CENTCOM announced that ships coming to and from Iranian ports will be stopped from 4 pm on July 14. All sailors have been advised to remain in contact with the US Navy on Mariners Broadcast and Radio Channel 16.
Earlier, there was a blockade from April 13 to June 18, which was removed after an interim agreement.
Why has the war increased?
This war of words between Araghchi and Trump is at a time when America and Iran are attacking each other for the second consecutive day. Both are asserting their control over this waterway. Iran is saying that under the interim peace agreement signed last month, it has the right to collect toll here.
America says that, according to international law, everyone has freedom of navigation here. Trump says that that agreement has now ended.
Why is Hormuz so important?
About one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas passes through this route. Therefore, this is the most monitored sea route in the world. Iran started the blockade here on February 28, when the then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in US and Israeli attacks. Since then, tension has increased in the Middle East. Now it remains to be seen what effect the 20% toll and blockade have on global trade and oil prices.
