Iran Imposes Toll on Ships in Strait of Hormuz Amid Ongoing Conflict

Iran's New Toll Policy in the Strait of Hormuz

Tehran: As the conflict in the Middle East reached its 24th day on March 23, reports emerged indicating that Iran has decided to impose a toll of USD 2 million (over 18 crore) for vessels navigating through the Strait of Hormuz. This vital shipping route connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and is crucial for the passage of approximately 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas. In light of the escalating war, Iran has adopted this strategy to exert control over the strait. According to Iranian lawmaker Alaeddin Boroujerdi, the toll has already been enacted, as reported by Iran International. He referred to this toll as a new "sovereign regime," asserting that collecting $2 million from certain vessels demonstrates Iran's power. Boroujerdi emphasized that "war has costs," necessitating the collection of transit fees from ships traversing the Strait of Hormuz.

US President's Warning to Iran: On Sunday, US President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran regarding the opening of the strait. He threatened to target Iran's power plants if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Trump stated, "If Iran doesn't FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!" on his Truth Social account.

Iran's Response to Trump's Threat: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded to Trump's warning, asserting that the strait is accessible to all except those infringing on Iran's sovereignty. He remarked, "The illusion of erasing Iran from the map shows desperation against the will of a history-making nation. Threats and terror only strengthen our unity. The Strait of Hormuz is open to all except those who violate our soil. We firmly confront delirious threats on the battlefield," Pezeshkian stated on his X handle.

It is important to note that Iran has consistently claimed that the strait is not entirely closed, but rather restricted to its adversaries. Ali Mousavi, Iran's permanent representative to the International Maritime Organisation, stated on Sunday that the waterway remains "open to everyone" except those attacking Iran. The Strait of Hormuz is responsible for about one-fifth of global oil shipments daily. Since the onset of the conflict, the critical waterway has been largely obstructed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), particularly for the US and its allies.