Iran's Parliament Approves Toll Collection for Ships in Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions

In a significant move amid escalating tensions in West Asia, Iran's Parliament has approved a plan to impose tolls on merchant ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. This decision comes as the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps restricts access to the strait, allowing only vessels from allied nations. The ongoing conflict, which has already claimed thousands of lives, raises concerns about the implications for global energy trade. As the situation develops, the US is reportedly considering ending military operations without reopening the strait. This article delves into the details of the toll plan and its potential impact on regional stability.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 31, 2026, 10:38 IST

Iran's New Toll Plan for Merchant Ships

Tehran: In light of the intensifying conflict in West Asia, the Iranian Parliament has reportedly sanctioned a scheme to impose tolls on merchant vessels navigating through the Strait of Hormuz, according to local media sources. The specific toll amount remains unspecified. This initiative also necessitates agreements with neighboring countries bordering the strait, as noted by a prominent news outlet.

The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime passage between Iran and Oman, serves as a vital link for oil and gas exports from Gulf nations to global markets. Currently, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has effectively restricted access to this waterway. Recently, Iran announced that only vessels from five allied nations—India, China, Russia, Iraq, and Pakistan—would be permitted to transit through the strait. Concurrently, the IRGC has been targeting merchant ships associated with the US and its allies in this region.

According to the legislation approved by the Iranian parliament, ships linked to the US, Israel, and nations that have imposed sanctions on Iran will be barred from passing through this strategic waterway, as reported by the same news outlet. Previous reports indicated that Iran had considered imposing a toll of USD 2 million (over 18 crore) for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, although the Iranian Embassy in India later dismissed these claims as "unfounded."

Trump's Stance on the Iran Conflict: A recent report suggested that US President Donald Trump is inclined to conclude the military engagement with Iran without necessitating the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has reportedly expressed to his aides a willingness to cease the US military operations against Iran, even if the strait remains closed, as per the news outlet. US officials are concerned that prolonging military actions beyond the anticipated four to six weeks could escalate the conflict further.

The report also indicated that the US aims to dismantle Iran's naval and missile capabilities while diplomatically compelling Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, the US is expected to encourage its allies in the Gulf and Europe to spearhead efforts to restore access to this critical maritime route.

For context, approximately one-fifth of the global energy trade transits through this passage. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which escalated on February 28 due to airstrikes by the US and Israel on Iran, has now entered its 32nd day. These airstrikes have triggered retaliatory actions from Iran against Israeli and US military targets, as well as other locations in neighboring Gulf countries. Reports indicate that the conflict has resulted in over 3,000 fatalities to date.