Iranian Lawmakers Consider Tolls On Shipping through Strait Of Hormuz
Tehran, Iran: Iran is planning a proposal to levy transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a lawmaker. The MP on Thursday said that Tehran will potentially monetise Iran’s newfound grip over the critical waterway through which a fifth of global oil and liquefied gas passes.
Iran has been disrupting maritime transit through the strait for vessels linked to the US and Israel after both the countries launched war against Tehran striking across its cities.
A lawmaker said that the parliament was considering a bill under which countries using the strait for shipping, energy transit and food supplies would be required to pay tolls and taxes to Iran, adding that a new regime for the Strait will follow the war’s end.
The war will allow Tehran to impose maritime restrictions on states that Iran has sanctioned. Notably, Iran has selectively allowed certain shipments, particularly oil bound for China and India, while restricting access to Western-linked vessels, effectively turning the strait into a controlled corridor.
Since late February, at least 20 merchant vessels have been attacked in or near the strait, with multiple tankers hit by drones and missiles.
