United States Restarts Blockade of Iranian Ships in Strait of Hormuz

The United States restarted its blockade of Iranian ships through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. President Trump posted on social media that the United States is reinstating the Iranian blockade, which stops only Iranian ships or customers while allowing fair and open use by all other countries.

Trump stated that the United States will charge 20 percent of cargo value for ships transiting the strait to cover security costs.

He added that the United States will be known as the Guardian of the Hormuz Strait and that the waterway is open and will remain open with or without Iran. On 13 July 2026, President Trump told Salem News that the United States is attacking Iran's capabilities related to the Strait of Hormuz. " He described Iranians as "stone cold crazy" and said deals with them are made to be broken.

Trump told reporters there may be Iranian drones in Cuba and that the United States would address the issue if confirmed. He also said contingency plans exist in case he is assassinated by Iran, though he later stated the threat reported by Israel was not as immediate as first feared. On 10 July 2026, Trump sent a letter to Congress stating that U.S.

Strikes which began on 7 July 2026 represent military action consistent with his responsibility to protect American interests. He formally notified lawmakers that the United States was once again at war with Iran, triggering a 60-day period for military action without congressional approval.