#BreakingNews: Iran Lawmakers Push For Shipping Tolls In Strait Of Hormuz

Iranian lawmakers have proposed imposing tolls on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran lawmaker Somayeh Rafiei told ISNA, as maritime traffic remains severely restricted following US-Israel strikes on February 28, 2026. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that maritime traffic "will not return to its pre-war status," with selective passage granted only to vessels from friendly nations while others face warnings and attacks. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei emphasized using Hormuz blockade as strategic leverage amid retaliatory strikes on Gulf energy infrastructure.

The proposal aims to monetize Iran's control over the world's most critical oil chokepoint, through which 20% of global crude flows. Daily vessel passages have dropped from 100-135 to under 90 since early March, primarily Chinese-linked tankers navigating Iranian territorial waters north of Larak Island under IRGC escort.

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This calibrated approach replaces outright closure threats with economic pressure, potentially generating billions annually while testing international maritime law. The UNCLOS principle of innocent passage generally prohibits such fees, though Russia precedents exist for Arctic routes.

Global energy markets reel from cascading disruptions, with Brent crude above $114/barrel after Ras Laffan and South Pars strikes. India faces acute LNG shortages from Qatar halts, forcing spot purchases and power cuts during peak summer demand.

President Trump announced a naval coalition to challenge the blockade, while Beijing negotiates special passage for its oil imports. Iran's move signals long-war strategy, institutionalizing geographic advantage to extract political and financial concessions from adversaries.

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