US Reimposes Naval Blockade on Iran, Abandoning Proposed Hormuz Cargo Levy

U.S. Central Command stated it conducted a third consecutive night of strikes toward the same objective, while Iranian state media reported explosions across several cities on Tuesday, including Bushehr, site of a nuclear power facility.

Iranian officials said they struck U.S. military installations in Bahrain and Jordan, following earlier attacks on two United Arab Emirates oil tankers.

The continuing hostilities have highlighted the strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz. While Iran alleges U.S. interference in its administration of the waterway, its own control enables Tehran to pose a threat to the global economy.

On Monday, President Trump declared the United States the “guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz and pledged a 20% levy on all cargo transiting the passage to offset protection costs.

Escalating pressures, Trump announced the reimposition of a U.S. naval blockade on Iran to further constrict its faltering economy.

In a recent Truth Social post, Trump stated: “I have decided to replace the 20% United States Reimbursement Fee with Trade and Investment Deals that the various Gulf States will be making into the United States.

“Those Investments will be MASSIVE but, at the same time, extraordinarily good for them, and their future.” The president offered no additional specifics.

He further asserted that the strait “is open to ALL Ship traffic except for Iran” and that “oil is flowing like never before, thanks to the awesome Power of the United States Military”.

Following discussions in Washington with newly appointed Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, Trump remarked: “I don’t like the concept of a fee, but at the same time, it’s not fair that we’re protecting this Strait for the entire world.”

He explained that the revision followed multiple communications from Gulf leaders.

In reaction, Iran maintained it would retain control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi told AFP that the blockade decision “has, in a way, dismantled” a previously negotiated truce.

The U.S. initially enacted a full naval blockade of Iranian ports in April to pressure Tehran. About five weeks thereafter, military officials reported redirecting 100 commercial ships and disabling four under the embargo.

The blockade was lifted in June under a bilateral memorandum of understanding intended to halt hostilities, though disagreement over the strait emerged as a central friction point.

Meanwhile, shipping data indicates transit through the strait has fallen to a two-month low, and benchmark Brent crude prices have surged.

Iran effectively closed the channel—through which roughly 25% of global oil and 20% of liquefied natural gas once flowed—after the U.S. and Israel initiated strikes on February 28.

Separately on Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that retaliation against Iran would be “much more powerful” should Israel be struck first.

“I will say it to the leaders of Iran: Do not count on things remaining quiet if you attack us,” he stated in a social media video.

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