Iran Imposes $2 Million Transit Fee On Select Ships In Strait Of Hormuz On Rising Tensions

Iran has begun levying a transit fee of $2 million (approximately ₹18.8 crore) on certain vessels passing through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz.

Officials say the move represents a firm assertion of control amid ongoing tensions with the United States and Israel.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian clarified on X that the strait remains ‘open to everyone’ except for Iran’s adversaries, signalling Tehran’s selective enforcement. Iranian lawmaker Alaeddin Boroujerdi told state broadcaster IRIB that the transit fees mark a shift towards a new ‘sovereign regime’ for the waterway.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry emphasised that navigation through the strait continues, and the waterway is not blocked.

The ministry said it is taking measures due to wartime conditions and reaffirmed that Iran remains committed to maritime safety and freedom of navigation.

It added that US and Israeli ‘aggression’ has created a dangerous situation in the Gulf, prompting Iran to adopt defensive measures and target regional facilities to prevent exploitation of the strait.

Former US President Donald Trump warned that if Iran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, the United States could begin striking Iran’s power infrastructure, starting with its largest power plants.

The new policy comes at a time of heightened geopolitical volatility in the Gulf, with international shipping and regional security closely monitored by global markets and naval forces.

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