US President Donald Trump dramatically escalated tensions over the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, announcing via social media that the United States Navy would immediately begin blockading the strategic waterway — and would actively pursue vessels that have already paid passage fees to Iran — according to Ship & Bunker.
A Sweeping Naval Directive
In a series of direct statements posted to social media, Trump outlined the scope of the new directive. “Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the finest in the world, will begin the process of blockading any and all ships trying to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz,” he declared, as quoted by Ship & Bunker.
The order extended beyond the blockade itself. Trump stated he had instructed the Navy to pursue any vessel in international waters that had made toll payments to Iran. “No-one who pays a toll will have safe passage on the high seas,” he added.
How the Strait Was Closed
The announcement follows weeks of severe disruption to one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors. According to Ship & Bunker, Iran has effectively blocked commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz since the beginning of March, carrying out attacks on multiple vessels and issuing threats against others attempting transit.
More recently, Iran shifted tactics — reportedly allowing a select number of ships to pass through an Iranian-controlled route, but only upon payment of a toll, as reported by Ship & Bunker.
The Dilemma Facing Shipping Operators
The new US position puts commercial operators in a deeply difficult position. Ship & Bunker notes that, given the sharp rise in commodity prices driven by the ongoing conflict, some shipping companies may have been weighing whether to pay Iran’s toll in order to continue their usual trade routes in the near term.
However, the publication also highlights the larger geopolitical question now coming into focus: whether the United States, Israel, and allied nations are prepared to accept the normalisation of such a toll system — and what actions they may ultimately take to dismantle it.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
