President Donald Trump announced Monday that the United States will assume the role of 'guardian' of the Strait of Hormuz, vowing that other nations will pay Washington for securing the vital waterway. The declaration comes as ship traffic through the strait has fallen to its lowest level in five weeks, with just six vessels transiting on Sunday, according to trade intelligence firm Kpler as reported by The Hill. The announcement marks a significant escalation in the ongoing US-Iran conflict, with both sides claiming control over the strategic chokepoint.

Trump's 'Guardian Angel' Proposal

In a phone interview with Fox News, President Trump outlined his vision for US stewardship of the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that the United States would 'keep the strait' and 'probably run it,' suggesting the role could be called the 'Guardian Angel of the Strait.' Trump emphasized that the US should be reimbursed for this service, pointing out that other nations, particularly Persian Gulf energy producers, are wealthy and have benefited from US protection for decades without payment. He claimed the US has guarded the strait for over 50 years without compensation, according to CBS News.

The president did not specify which countries would be expected to pay or how much, but his remarks signal a shift in US policy toward a more transactional approach to global security commitments. The announcement comes amid a sharp decline in maritime traffic through the strait, which has been a central flashpoint in the US-Iran conflict since the war began in late February.

Shipping Traffic Hits Five-Week Low

Data from trade intelligence company Kpler, reported by The Hill, shows that only six ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, the lowest daily count in five weeks. The decline reflects the ongoing instability in the region, as Iran and the US both assert control over the waterway. Oil and gas tanker traffic has also been significantly reduced, contributing to global energy market volatility.

The strait, a narrow passage between Iran and Oman, is a critical artery for global oil supplies, with about 20% of the world's petroleum passing through it daily. The reduction in traffic has already driven up oil prices and caused stock market declines, according to Al Jazeera.

Iran's Objections and Escalating Strikes

Iran has strongly objected to US management of the strait. The Iranian embassy in the UK issued a statement Monday accusing the United States of violating the June memorandum of understanding 'since day one' by directing vessels toward a southern route close to Oman. Iran described this route as 'not only legally questionable but also unsafe, unreliable, and prone to accidents,' as reported by CBS News.

The dispute over the strait has derailed peace efforts. The fragile ceasefire that was reached in April collapsed after a series of tit-for-tat attacks. On July 6, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) struck three commercial vessels, including a Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker, off Oman. The US responded with retaliatory strikes on Iranian military targets, prompting Iran to launch missile and drone attacks on US bases across the Gulf. On Wednesday, President Trump declared the ceasefire 'over,' and the IRGC shut down the strait entirely, according to Al Jazeera.

Since then, the US has carried out deadly strikes on multiple Iranian cities, particularly along the Strait of Hormuz in southern Iran. Iran has retaliated by attacking Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, and Qatar, as well as conducting further attacks on ships in the strait. Analysts cited by Al Jazeera describe the conflict as evolving from tit-for-tat exchanges to sustained combat, albeit with limited areas of engagement.

Political Reactions in Washington

The escalating conflict has prompted renewed debate in Washington. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) announced plans to introduce another war powers resolution, aiming to force Republicans to vote again on ending the military conflict with Iran. Schiff argued that the situation demonstrates the problems with embarking on a 'war of choice' that the president initiated without clear congressional authorization, according to The Hill.

Meanwhile, the Senate returned Monday to a changed landscape following the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a key foreign policy voice. Graham died unexpectedly early Sunday from an apparent aortic dissection, prompting maneuvering over his successor, as reported by The Hill. Graham had been a staunch supporter of a强硬 line on Iran, and his absence could shift the dynamics of the debate.

Timeline of Key Events

  • February 28, 2026: US and Israel launch joint war on Iran.
  • April 2026: Ceasefire agreement reached between US and Iran.
  • June 2026: US and Iran sign a vaguely worded memorandum of understanding on the Strait of Hormuz.
  • July 6, 2026: IRGC strikes three commercial vessels off Oman.
  • July 7, 2026: US carries out retaliatory strikes on Iranian military targets.
  • July 8, 2026: Trump declares ceasefire 'over'; IRGC shuts down Strait of Hormuz.
  • July 11-12, 2026: US strikes multiple Iranian cities; Iran attacks Gulf states and ships.
  • July 13, 2026: Trump says US will become 'guardian' of the strait; ship traffic hits five-week low.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Strait of Hormuz and why is it important?

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, with about 20% of the world's petroleum passing through it daily.

What did President Trump say about the US role in the strait?

President Trump said the US will 'become the guardian' of the strait and suggested calling it the 'Guardian Angel of the Strait.' He stated that other nations should pay the US for securing the waterway, as reported by CBS News.

Why has ship traffic in the strait declined?

Ship traffic has declined due to the ongoing US-Iran conflict, with both sides claiming control over the waterway. On July 13, only six ships passed through, a five-week low, according to data from Kpler reported by The Hill.

What is Iran's position on US control of the strait?

Iran has accused the US of violating the June memorandum of understanding by pushing vessels toward a southern route near Oman, which Iran considers unsafe and legally questionable. Iran's embassy in the UK issued a statement to this effect, as reported by CBS News.

What are the broader implications of the conflict?

The conflict has spiked oil prices, rattled global markets, and disrupted shipping. It has also prompted political debate in Washington, with Sen. Adam Schiff planning to introduce a war powers resolution to end US involvement, according to The Hill.

What Happens Next

The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains highly volatile, with both the US and Iran dug in on their positions. President Trump's 'guardian' proposal is likely to face resistance from Iran and possibly from other Gulf states wary of paying for US protection. The decline in ship traffic suggests that commercial shipping is avoiding the area, which could further strain global energy supplies. In Washington, the debate over the war's authorization is set to intensify, especially with the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, a key hawkish voice. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the conflict escalates further or whether diplomatic efforts can be revived. Readers should watch for further developments in the Senate and any new strikes or diplomatic initiatives.