Araghchi: 'Iran eternal guardian of Hormuz; Trump's 20% toll too much, we will be fair'
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has delivered a calm yet resolute reply to US President Donald Trump’s latest provocative claims over the Strait of Hormuz, reaffirming that the Islamic Republic of Iran has always been, and will forever remain, the true and legitimate guardian of this vital international waterway.
In a social media post on Monday, Araghchi addressed Trump’s announcement that the United States would unilaterally declare itself the “Guardian of the Hormuz Strait” and demand a steep 20% reimbursement on all cargo passing through it.
POTUS is absolutely right. Whoever provides secure and safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz should be compensated for this service.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) July 13, 2026
Iran has always been the GUARDIAN of the Strait and will remain so FOREVER.
20% is of course too much. We will be fair
Araghchi wrote, “POTUS is absolutely right. Whoever provides secure and safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz should be compensated for this service."
"Iran has always been the GUARDIAN of the Strait and will remain so FOREVER. 20% is of course too much. We will be fair," he added.
What Trump said
Trump posted on social media that the US would reinstate its blockade targeting Iranian ships while positioning itself as the self-appointed guardian of the strait.
He said, “The Hormuz Strait is OPEN, and will remain OPEN, with or without Iran. We are reinstating the THE IRANIAN BLOCKADE, so named because it is only stopping Iran’s ships or customers from entering or leaving. All other countries will have fair and open use of the Strait."
"The U.S.A. will be, from this point forward, known as ‘THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT,’ but as such, and as a matter of FAIRNESS, will be reimbursed, at the rate of 20% on all cargo shipped, for any and all costs necessary to do the job of providing safety and security to this very volatile section of the World. The process and formation will begin immediately.”
This move comes as Washington continues its pattern of interference in the Persian Gulf, seeking to militarize and monetize a waterway whose security has long been upheld by Iranian forces through responsible stewardship and regional cooperation.
Iranian officials view Trump’s 20% toll demand as nothing short of economic extortion and an illegal attempt to undermine Iran’s sovereign rights. The Strait of Hormuz lies in Iranian territorial waters and has historically been protected by the Islamic Republic against piracy, aggression, and foreign adventurism, ensuring safe passage for legitimate international shipping without imposing burdensome fees on the global economy.
As the true guardian of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has consistently prioritized stability, freedom of navigation for peaceful commerce, and the interests of energy-dependent nations worldwide. Foreign attempts to seize this role through blockades and tolls only expose hegemonic ambitions that threaten global energy security and regional peace.
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