In a social media post, Trump said the US would ensure that other countries maintain fair and open access to the waterway, while imposing a 20 percent charge on cargo shipments to cover the costs of providing security and safe passage in the strategic region.

Trump says US will be reimbursed for Strait security

In remarks to Fox News, Trump said the blockade process would begin immediately and that the United States would be reimbursed for protecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

He said the US is spending significant resources to secure the waterway and that the international community should contribute to the costs. Trump added that the US would not provide the security effort for free.

He also claimed that Iran’s naval, air and missile capabilities had been severely weakened, and referred to several Iranian commanders killed during the conflict.

US carries out strikes on Iranian targets

Earlier, the United States carried out strikes against Iran in response to an attack targeting a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

US Central Command said in a statement that American forces struck dozens of targets at multiple locations using precision munitions, aiming to reduce Iran’s ability to continue attacks on international shipping through the Strait.

It added that US forces remain prepared to protect freedom of navigation for commercial vessels in response to what it described as Iran’s aggression, harassment, threats and arbitrary declarations.