President Trump announced the reinstatement of a blockade on Iranian ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz and declared a 20% toll on cargo from other nations, citing U.S. efforts to secure the vital waterway amid escalating tensions. This follows renewed military exchanges between the U.S. and Iran, including strikes on each other’s territories and allies in the region over the past weekend. Iran denies U.S. claims of controlling the strait and accuses it of violating a recent bilateral memorandum by urging ships to use an alternative southern route. The UN has condemned the escalation, warning that further hostilities could have catastrophic consequences.
Original Article Source Link:
https://www.npr.org/2026/07/13/nx-s1-5891746/us-iran-strait-of-hormuz-updates