US President Trump Declares US ‘Guardian of Hormuz Strait,’ Replaces 20% Toll with Trade Deals, Maintains Iranian Blockade
- President Trump declares US as Guardian of the Hormuz Strait amid Iran tensions.
- June ceasefire is dead; oil prices jumped 5% while stocks fell 1%.
- 20% toll on cargo is replaced by new trade and investment deals.
- Hegseth, Caine, and Admiral Cooper praised for securing the Hormuz Strait.
On Monday, July 6, 2026, US President Donald Trump announced the United States’ intention to “take over” and “run” the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil-shipping route. In a Fox News interview, President Trump asserted that the US should be reimbursed for its role in guarding the waterway, accusing Iran of breaking a previous agreement and referring to them as “a bad group of people.” He further indicated that the US would collect tolls for its protection services in the region. Markets reacted with a cautious stance following these remarks, with the US Dollar Index remaining largely unchanged near 101.00. Concurrently, US stock index futures experienced declines of 0.2% to 1%, reflecting the geopolitical uncertainty surrounding the strategic strait and ongoing US-Iran tensions.
US President Donald Trump has declared the Strait of Hormuz **open** and announced the US will now be known as "**THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT**." He stated the US would reinstate an "**Iranian Blockade**" to prevent Iranian ships or their customers from using the Strait, while ensuring other nations have open access. As Guardian, the US will levy a **20% toll on all cargo shipped** through the Strait to cover security costs. These declarations, made on Truth Social, come amid escalated attacks between the US and Iran.
Following the US declaration, **oil prices jumped 5%** and **stocks fell 1%**. Reports also confirm the **June ceasefire between the US and Iran is officially dead**.
President Trump announced on Truth Social that the previously declared **20% toll** on cargo shipped through the Strait of Hormuz will be **replaced by trade and investment deals**. He also specifically praised Secretary of War **Pete Hegseth**, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff **Dan Caine**, and Commander of the United States Central Command **Admiral Brad Cooper** for their efforts in securing the Strait.