Iran Mulls Tolls on Strait of Hormuz Ships Amid Escalating Gulf Tensions
Hormuz Ship
Iran debates levying fees on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz while six nations pledge to safeguard oil tanker passage against Tehran’s threats.
Tehran : March 20, 2026:Iran’s parliament is weighing a bill to impose mandatory tolls and taxes on ships using the Strait of Hormuz for oil, gas, and food shipments, aiming to extract economic leverage from the vital chokepoint that funnels 20% of global energy exports. A lawmaker revealed Thursday that the proposal targets nations reliant on the waterway, framing fees as “security compensation” amid disruptions since the US-Israel conflict erupted. Tehran has already barred vessels linked to America, Israel, and allies, labeling them legitimate targets.
Supreme Leader advisor Mohammad Mokhber echoed the strategy, hinting at post-war “new arrangements” to enforce maritime restrictions on sanctioned foes, bolstering Iran’s grip post-US strikes on Kharg Island. Countering this, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan issued a joint statement pledging support for safe passage of commercial tankers, welcoming aligned nations’ planning while fiercely condemning Iran’s recent drone, missile, and mine attacks on unarmed ships.
The coalition demanded Tehran halt threats, blockades, and aggression to stabilize energy markets, as disruptions spike shipping costs and rattle supplies to Europe, Asia, and India.Experts warn tolls could formalize Iran’s de facto control, mirroring historical chokepoint monetization, while evoking 2019 tanker seizures. With Brent crude volatile, the strait narrowest at 21 miles remains a flashpoint. US officials eye naval escorts, but European caution persists amid war fatigue. Tehran insists the route stays open to non-adversaries, yet advisor warnings of fiery intercepts fuel fears. As parliament deliberates, global trade braces for prolonged uncertainty in this artery vital to 21 million barrels daily.
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