United States President Donald Trump announced on Monday, July 13th, 2026, that the US will restart its naval blockade of Iran and "become the guardian" of the Strait of Hormuz. This declaration comes amid an ongoing escalation between the US and Iran that threatens to undermine efforts toward lasting peace.

Trump made these remarks during an interview with Fox News and in a post on Truth Social shortly after the US and Iran exchanged attacks. Iran reported striking US military sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Jordan, while US forces have primarily targeted port cities along Iran's coast.

On Truth Social, Trump stated, "We are reinstating the THE IRANIAN BLOCKADE, so named because it is only stopping Iran’s ships or customers from entering or leaving." He further declared, "The U.S.A. will be, from this point forward, known as ‘THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT,’ but as such, and as a matter of FAIRNESS, will be reimbursed, at the rate of 20% on all cargo shipped, for any and all costs necessary to do the job of providing safety and security to this very volatile section of the World."

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime passage through which approximately 20 percent of the world's oil and gas exports transit. Trump had previously threatened to maintain US influence over the strait and to potentially charge tolls if ceasefire negotiations with Iran fail.

The Trump administration has emphasized that the agreement should keep the strait open to all traffic during the 60 days of ongoing negotiations and warned that Iranian attacks violate the memorandum of understanding (MoU).

Oil prices have surged amid the exchange of attacks and heightened tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.

Sources