Trump Announces 'Iranian Blockade,' Promises 20% Cargo Surcharge for Toll Booths
KEY POINTS
- ā¢On July 13, President Trump announced a U.S. naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz targeting only Iranian vessels.
- ā¢Oil prices surged 9% to about $83 a barrel, threatening to push gas prices back toward $4 a gallon nationally.
- ā¢Despite Trumpās claims, vessel tracking companies reported a sharp decline in ships transiting the strait in recent days.
On July 13, 2026, President Trump boldly declared he was "reinstating THE IRANIAN BLOCKADE" in the Strait of Hormuz, a naval maneuver so selective it only inconveniences Iranās ships while boasting open sea lanes for everyone elseābecause fairness is tax tier 1. With oil prices spiking 9% to $83 per barrel Monday, possibly re-igniting gas prices back toward a barely-remembered $4 a gallon, Trump also announced a baffling 20% surcharge on all cargo shipments passing through as a 'safety fee'ālike Uber adding airport surcharges to already sky-high fares. Despite these claims, vessel traffic nosedived as tracking firm Kpler and S&P Global Energy reported fewer tankers braving the waters, proving even pirates hate extra tolls. Average U.S. gas hovered at $3.87, up 7 cents last week, less chaotic than May's $4.56 peakābut just wait; Trumpās maritime Monopoly game is only starting.
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(1 of 3)Reinstating a āblockadeā that only blocks one party, plus charging a 20% fare? Trumpās turn at naval extortion sounds like a broken GPS sending cargo ships to pay a toll that doesnāt exist.
Nothing says 'freedom of navigation' like a naval blockade with a 20% tollāyouād think Iran was running the mafia, not the Navy.
Trumpās plan: Block Iranās ships, but keep the Strait openāif you pay a 20% surcharge. Next up: Charging squirrels for park bench access.
Source: Axios | Published: 7/13/2026 | Author: Ben Geman
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