Trump offers US protection in the Strait of Hormuz for a 20% fee. How would that work?

Trump offers a new US security arrangement for the Strait of Hormuz, tying protection to a 20% fee on cargo moving through the waterway. Speaking in a Truth Social post on Monday, President Donald Trump said the United States would be known as the “Guardian of the Hormuz Strait” and, for fairness, would be reimbursed at a rate of 20% for costs tied to safety and security. The proposal immediately raised questions about legality and feasibility, including how the fee would be calculated and who would pay. International law generally allows free passage in the Strait of Hormuz, and past Iranian charges have been described as unlawful tolls. Experts said an alternative approach—convoying ships on a voluntary basis—could be consistent with law, though insurers might still refuse coverage if risks are deemed too high. The White House did not provide details to CNN.