US-Iran Tensions Rise: 20% Tariff in Strait of Hormuz as New Blockade Takes Shape

The Trump administration has announced a new measure affecting commercial cargo in the Strait of Hormuz, imposing a 20% tax on all goods transiting this strategic maritime passage. According to the U.S. president, the collected funds will be used to cover necessary security expenses.

Earlier, on June 17, both countries had signed a preliminary agreement to remove obstacles and again allow the free movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, signaling a moment of relaxation in strained relations.

The current measure follows a prior announcement from Washington in April, in which U.S. forces warned they would block or divert any ship sailing to or from Iranian ports. The stated goal was to hit the revenues Tehran earns from oil exports and deepen economic pressure on the regime.

That April move drew a sharp reaction from Iranian authorities, who denounced it as an act of “piracy.” Meanwhile, the International Maritime Organization raised concerns, noting that international law rules do not grant any state the authority to obstruct freedom of navigation in straits used for international traffic.

Despite the announcement of the new tariff, U.S. government representatives have not yet provided concrete details on the mechanisms for implementing and collecting this tax in practice.