US-Iran tensions explode as Trump targets Hormuz

The United States has announced new measures targeting Iran, including plans to impose greater control over the

The United States has announced new measures targeting Iran, including plans to impose greater control over the Strait of Hormuz and introduce a 20 percent fee on cargo passing through the strategic waterway.

The announcement came as tensions between Washington and Tehran continued to rise following a series of military strikes across the region.

US President Donald Trump said Iran failed to comply with the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), calling the agreement a test that Tehran did not pass.

Speaking in an interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt, Trump warned that Iran could face further attacks in the coming days. He also indicated that US forces may target additional locations linked to Iran’s nuclear programme.

Trump said the United States would act as the “guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz and claimed that countries benefiting from secure shipping routes should contribute financially.

He announced that a 20 percent charge would be applied to cargo transported through the waterway, arguing that the US should be compensated for protecting international shipping.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes, with a significant portion of global oil supplies passing through it. Any disruption in the waterway could have major consequences for international energy markets.

The US Navy-led Joint Maritime Information Centre said new restrictions would apply to vessel traffic along Iran’s coastline. It said humanitarian shipments would be allowed after necessary inspections.

The move came as shipping activity through the waterway dropped significantly due to ongoing missile and drone attacks in the region.

Iran rejected any attempt by Washington to control the strait. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded sarcastically, saying whoever ensures safe passage for commercial ships deserves compensation, but added that Tehran would continue managing the waterway.

Iranian officials said the country would not allow foreign interference in the administration of the Strait of Hormuz and warned that the US would be responsible for any further instability.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it carried out attacks on US military facilities in Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait in response to American strikes on Iranian targets.

The IRGC said it targeted several US-linked bases and military installations, while Jordan’s military confirmed that it intercepted missiles entering its airspace.

The escalating conflict also affected US diplomatic operations in the region. The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate General in Dubai temporarily suspended consular appointments due to security concerns.

On the other hand, US Central Command said American forces had conducted strikes against Iranian military infrastructure, including air defence systems, coastal radar sites, missile facilities and drone capabilities.

CENTCOM said the attacks involved fighter aircraft, naval assets and unmanned systems targeting Iranian military positions.