Iran FM says Tehran will always remain guardian of Strait of Hormuz

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that Iran has long ensured the safe passage of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and suggested that any compensation for safeguarding the vital maritime corridor should be fair. In a post on his X account, 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." He added, "Iran has always been the GUARDIAN of the Strait and will remain so FOREVER." Araghchi also noted, "20% is of course too much. We will be fair." His remarks came after US President Donald Trump announced that Washington was reinstating what he called a naval blockade on Iran and declared that the US would collect a 20% fee on all cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz as compensation for providing security in the strategic waterway. In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed the strait would remain open "with or without Iran" and said the proposed charge would cover the costs of ensuring the safety of commercial shipping through the vital maritime corridor. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, through which about a fifth of the world's oil passes. Iran has historically asserted its role in securing the strait, while the US and its allies have conducted naval patrols to ensure freedom of navigation. According to Mehr News, Araghchi's statement reaffirms Iran's longstanding position on the strait's security.