President Donald Trump has unveiled one of the most controversial foreign policy proposals of his presidency, declaring that the United States is prepared to become the “Guardian of the Hormuz Strait” while demanding financial compensation from countries that rely on the strategic maritime corridor. The proposal, which includes a 20% fee on all cargo passing through the waterway, comes at a time of rapidly escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran and has sparked fresh concerns over global energy security, international trade, and the risk of a broader military confrontation in the Middle East.
Speaking during an interview with Fox News, Trump argued that the United States has spent years protecting one of the world’s most important shipping routes without receiving adequate compensation from allied nations. He insisted that Washington should no longer shoulder the burden alone, saying countries benefiting from safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz should pay for the protection they receive.
“We’re going to keep the strait, and we’ll probably run it. We’ll become the guardian of the strait. Maybe we’ll call it the guardian angel of the strait. And we should be reimbursed for that,” Trump said.
The President maintained that America’s military presence has guaranteed stability for global energy markets while preventing disruptions to commercial shipping. According to Trump, wealthy allies that depend heavily on oil and gas transported through the Strait of Hormuz should contribute financially instead of expecting the United States to provide security free of charge.
“We’re going to guard it. We’re going to get paid for guarding it—a lot of money,” he said, adding that America “can’t be expected to do that for nothing.”
Trump later reinforced the proposal through a post on Truth Social, where he announced that the United States would guarantee open navigation for every country except Iran. At the same time, he declared the return of what he described as “The Iranian Blockade,” claiming it would prevent only Iranian vessels and customers from entering or leaving the strategic passage.
“The Hormuz Strait is OPEN, and will remain OPEN, with or without Iran,” Trump wrote.
He also announced that the United States would seek reimbursement by imposing a 20% charge on all cargo transported through the waterway.
“As a matter of FAIRNESS, the United States 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,” Trump said, adding that preparations to implement the proposal would begin immediately.
The announcement arrives at an exceptionally sensitive moment for global markets. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most strategically important maritime chokepoints in the world, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. A substantial share of the world’s crude oil exports and liquefied natural gas shipments passes through the narrow channel every day, making uninterrupted navigation critical for energy-importing nations across Asia, Europe, and beyond.
Even temporary disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have historically triggered sharp increases in crude oil prices, higher shipping insurance premiums, and fears of inflation. Any prolonged closure or military conflict in the region has the potential to affect fuel prices, manufacturing costs, aviation, and global supply chains.
Trump’s latest comments come after Iran announced restrictions on movement through the Strait following what Tehran described as an “unauthorized transit.” Iranian authorities stated that the waterway would remain closed until stability returned, dramatically raising concerns across international shipping and energy markets.
Iran has strongly rejected any suggestion that the United States could oversee operations in the Strait of Hormuz. In a video statement, a spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam Al-Anbiya Central Headquarters warned that Tehran would never permit Washington to interfere in managing one of the region’s most strategic waterways.
“Under no circumstances will we allow the United States to interfere in the management” of the Strait of Hormuz, the spokesperson said.
Iranian military leaders also warned that broader cooperation with the United States regarding the waterway could amount to an act of war, reflecting the increasingly confrontational rhetoric between both governments.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) later declared that normal commercial shipping would resume only if the United States halted its military activities in the region. Iranian officials warned that continued American involvement could produce even greater disruptions across global oil and gas markets, placing additional pressure on economies already struggling with inflation and volatile energy prices.
Military tensions have intensified dramatically over recent days. Both American and Iranian forces reportedly exchanged missile and drone strikes across the Gulf region during the weekend and into Monday. Tehran claimed responsibility for attacks targeting US military installations while simultaneously maintaining restrictions on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
These developments have raised serious doubts about the future of diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Only weeks earlier, both countries had reportedly agreed to an interim understanding intended to reduce hostilities, reopen maritime traffic, and create space for additional negotiations. The latest military exchanges, however, suggest that diplomatic momentum has largely collapsed.
Trump also accused Iran of repeatedly violating previous agreements, arguing that negotiations had failed to change Tehran’s behavior.
“We had a deal. It was a done deal, and then they broke it. They always break it. We’ve had 10 deals with these people, and so we’re just going to hit them very hard,” Trump said.
International observers say Trump’s proposal raises complex legal and diplomatic questions. The Strait of Hormuz is recognized as an international waterway governed by established principles of maritime law, and any unilateral attempt by a single nation to administer shipping or collect mandatory transit fees would almost certainly face scrutiny from governments, shipping companies, and international organizations.
Energy analysts are also closely watching developments because many of the world’s largest oil exporters—including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates—depend heavily on uninterrupted access through the Strait. Any prolonged uncertainty could force shipping firms to reroute vessels, increase freight charges, or suspend operations altogether, creating ripple effects across global commerce.
Financial markets are expected to remain highly sensitive to every new statement from Washington and Tehran. Investors are monitoring crude oil prices, tanker movements, naval deployments, and diplomatic efforts for signs of either de-escalation or a broader regional conflict.
For countries heavily dependent on imported energy, including several major Asian economies, stability in the Strait of Hormuz remains essential. A sustained disruption could influence fuel prices, transportation costs, industrial production, and consumer inflation across multiple continents.
Trump’s proposal to transform the United States into the self-described “Guardian of the Hormuz Strait” marks one of the most ambitious and controversial security initiatives announced during the current phase of the US-Iran confrontation. Whether the proposal gains international backing or further intensifies geopolitical tensions will likely shape not only Middle East security but also the future of global energy markets in the months ahead.