Trump Claims US Will Reinstated Iranian Blockade on Hormuz

13.07.2026 · By Bernal Fintech Markets Desk

President Donald Trump has claimed the United States will reinstate a naval blockade on Iran and charge a 20% toll on all cargo shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, according to multiple reports. This comes amid a series of escalating exchanges between the U.S. and Iran, with both sides trading missile and drone strikes and offering conflicting accounts about the status of the critical waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global oil shipping route, with approximately 20% of the world’s seaborne oil passing through it. Trump’s remarks, reported by Bloomberg Markets and Finance and The Guardian, suggest a new phase in the U.S.-Iran standoff, with the U.S. asserting control over the strait and imposing a financial toll on shipping traffic. This follows recent attacks from both sides, including Iranian strikes targeting U.S. military bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, and Qatar.

Escalating Tensions and Conflicting Narratives

The U.S. and Iran have exchanged a series of strikes over the past week, with both sides accusing the other of closing the Strait of Hormuz to shipping. According to Reuters, Trump stated that the U.S. would “keep the Strait” and “probably run it,” while Iran has claimed the strait is closed to international shipping. Meanwhile, CNBC International TV reported that several Gulf states, including Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar, have come under fire in the escalating conflict.

Despite the ongoing military exchanges, a steady stream of ships has been passing through the Strait of Hormuz in secret, according to Bloomberg Markets and Finance. Shipowners are reportedly avoiding observable traffic to minimize exposure to the conflict. This suggests that while the political and military tensions are high, commercial shipping continues to operate, albeit discreetly.

What it means for markets

The potential reinstatement of a U.S. naval blockade and the imposition of a 20% toll on cargo through the Strait of Hormuz could have significant implications for global oil prices and shipping markets. The strait is a critical chokepoint for global energy trade, and any disruption to its operations could lead to increased volatility in energy markets and higher shipping costs. Investors are closely watching the situation for any signs of escalation or de-escalation in the U.S.-Iran conflict.