U.S. President Donald Trump [AFP=Yonhap News File Photo]

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on the 13th (local time) that he would resume the blockade of ships traveling between Iranian ports and its coast in the Strait of Hormuz.

He also stated that in exchange for the U.S. military guaranteeing the safety of civilian vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. would take 20% of the cargo on board those ships.

On his social media platform, Truth Social, President Trump wrote, "The Strait of Hormuz remains open, whether Iran is there or not," adding, "We are resuming the blockade of Iran."

This marks the resumption of the maritime blockade against Iran, which had been lifted following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to end hostilities with Iran in the middle of last month. The intent is to strictly constrict Iran's flow of funds.

President Trump further declared that the U.S. would charge a toll for civilian vessels from other nations passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

He stated, "From now on, the United States will be known as the 'Guardian of the Strait of Hormuz,'" adding, "We will be compensated with 20% of all cargo shipped to cover all costs required to provide safety and security in this region, which is the most volatile in the world."

He added, "The relevant procedures and arrangements will begin immediately."

This is interpreted as an intention to collect a "toll" to cover the costs of the U.S. military ensuring safety by blocking attacks on civilian ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Prior to this, in a phone interview with Fox News, President Trump had also stated that the U.S. would take control of the Strait of Hormuz and receive compensation for it.

President Trump said, "We have been protecting the Strait for free, but from now on, we will protect it and receive a tremendous amount of money in return."