An Iranian parliamentary commission has approved a proposal to impose tolls on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to state media, in a move that could further tighten Tehran’s control over one of the world’s most important shipping lanes.
Iranian state television, citing a member of parliament’s security commission, reported Monday that the proposal includes “financial arrangements and rial toll systems” for ships passing through the strategic waterway.
The plan is also aimed at reinforcing what Tehran described as Iran’s “sovereign role” in the Strait and would involve coordination with neighboring Oman, which borders the southern side of the passage.
Under the proposal, vessels linked to the United States and Israel would be barred from transiting the Strait. The measure would also prohibit countries that have imposed sanctions on Iran from using the route.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, handles roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments during peacetime, making it a crucial chokepoint for global energy supplies.
Traffic through the waterway has sharply declined since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict. Maritime intelligence firm Kpler said crossings have dropped by around 95 percent, contributing to rising pressure on global oil and gas markets
