Iran imposes fees on ships crossing Strait of Hormuz: Details

Unofficial transit fees

Iran has introduced the practice of charging vessels a fee for the right to safely navigate the strategic maritime route - the Strait of Hormuz.

According to sources, the amount can reach $2 million per voyage, effectively establishing an unofficial transit fee.

“Some vessels have made the payment, though the mechanism wasn’t immediately clear — including the currency used — and it doesn’t appear to be systematic,” Bloomberg writes.

Opaque process and rising tensions

Sources note that such payments were made without public disclosure.

“The lack of transparency and uncertainty over who might be targeted next is adding a fresh layer of friction to the shipping lane,” the article states.

Since the start of the US war against Iran, only a limited number of vessels have transited the strait, most of them affiliated with the Iranian side.

Possibility of legalizing fees

According to interlocutors, Tehran is already discussing the option of officially introducing such payments as part of possible post-war agreements. Currently, the fees are being collected on a case-by-case basis.

Regional reaction and consequences

Representatives of Gulf countries consider such actions unacceptable, as they set a dangerous precedent and could turn the key maritime route into a tool of pressure.

“Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates depend on the route to ship their oil to global markets, but are now relying on alternative pipelines bypassing Hormuz to get crude to their customers,” Bloomberg concluded.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is urging US President Donald Trump not to scale back the military operation against Iran, calling the current situation a historic opportunity for the Middle East region.

Iranian media outlets report that the US and Israel have attacked energy infrastructure facilities in Isfahan and Khorramshahr.