Iran charging $2M transit fees for Hormuz passage

2026-03-22 - 16:49

Iran has imposed transit fees of approximately $2 million on certain vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a senior Iranian lawmaker has revealed, as Tehran asserts greater control over the strategic waterway amid escalating regional hostilities. Alaeddin Boroujerdi, a member of parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, stated during a televised program that Iran has established a “new concept of sovereignty” over the strait after 47 years. The lawmaker framed the fees as a demonstration of Iran’s growing authority over the vital shipping lane. “Collecting $2 million as transit fees from some vessels crossing the strait reflects Iran’s strength,” Boroujerdi said. His remarks come as Tehran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to most maritime traffic since early March, with officials warning that ships attempting passage without coordination would be targeted. The closure has had significant global repercussions. The Strait of Hormuz normally handles approximately 20 million barrels of oil daily—roughly 20 percent of global liquefied natural gas trade—making it one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. The disruption has driven up shipping and insurance costs, pushed oil prices higher, and raised concerns about broader economic instability. The heightened tensions trace back to Feb. 28, when the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran that has reportedly killed over 1,300 people, including the country’s supreme leader. Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf nations hosting American military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage while disrupting global markets and aviation.