US to take over Strait of Hormuz, charge 20 percent fee for cargo shipped through, Trump says

President Donald Trump announced that the United States will take control of the Strait of Hormuz and charge a fee of 20% on all cargo shipped through this critical waterway. He referred to the US as "THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT." This decision comes amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran, following a series of attacks on shipping in the region. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for targeting vessels, including two UAE national vessels in Omani territorial waters, resulting in the death of one crew member and injuries to several others. In response to these provocations, Trump expressed frustration, stating that the US and Iran were close to reaching a deal before the attacks occurred. He mentioned that the US had hit Iran "very hard" following these incidents. The US has reinstated a naval blockade on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to maintain security in the region. Trump also threatened to escalate military actions by targeting Iran's bridges and power plants if the country does not return to negotiations. Iran has rejected any US control over the Strait of Hormuz and has indicated that it considers the strait closed. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing US strikes against Iranian targets. The US aims to secure safe passage for shipping in the Strait of Hormuz while Iran continues to assert its position against US actions in the region.