US reimposes Iran blockade, Hormuz toll

The United States reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz on July 14, 2026, after Iran attacked commercial vessels and claimed control of the waterway. President Donald Trump announced the blockade and a proposed 20% toll on cargo transiting the strait, later dropping the fee plan in favor of Gulf investment commitments. Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes on US allies including Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and the UAE, hitting two Emirati tankers and killing one crew member. The escalation follows the collapse of a 60-day interim ceasefire signed in June, which had aimed to reopen the strait and negotiate a permanent end to the war that began on February 28, 2026. Oil prices surged over 7% to $82/barrel, and shipping traffic through the strait dropped by more than 50%. International bodies including the UN and IMO condemned the toll plan and called for de-escalation. Mediation efforts by Pakistan, Qatar, and Oman continue.