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'Guardian of the Hormuz Strait': Iran Mocks and Fires Back at Trump's New Title
- Plan B
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
Iran has mocked US President Donald Trump's declaration that the United States would become the "Guardian of the Strait of Hormuz", after he proposed charging countries a 20% fee on cargo shipments transiting the strategic waterway.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by saying Iran "has been and will remain the guardian of the Strait", while appearing to ridicule Trump's proposal.
He added that while those providing security for commercial shipping should be compensated, "20% is of course too much. We will be fair".
Trump then formally notified Congress on 13 July 2026 that military hostilities with Iran had resumed, a move the White House said triggered a new 60-day period under the War Powers Resolution during which US forces can continue military operations without additional congressional approval.
In a letter dated 10 July, obtained by US news platform POLITICO, Trump said he had ordered the renewed military action "consistent with my responsibility to protect Americans and United States national security and foreign policy interests"
The US also launched a fresh wave of airstrikes against Iran in the early hours of 14 July.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the five-hour operation targeted multiple military sites, with the strikes intended to weaken Iran's ability to attack civilians and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The renewed hostilities come after the US and Iran agreed to a temporary ceasefire in April 2026 following weeks of fighting.
The truce was later extended under a 14-point memorandum signed in June to allow both sides to pursue negotiations on a longer-term peace agreement.
The military conflict between the US and Iran began on 28 Feb 2026, when
US and Israeli forces launched coordinated airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, military infrastructure, and leadership.
Following US strikes, Iran's top joint military command announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, saying oil tankers and commercial vessels would not be allowed to pass and warning that any ship attempting transit could be fired upon.
