Iran has decided to charge some vessels USD 2 million (about Rs18.8 crore) to pass through the Strait of Hormuz as it seeks to use its control over the key global shipping route during its ongoing war with the US and Israel.
The large toll has already been introduced, according to Iranian lawmaker Alaeddin Boroujerdi, a member of the parliament’s national security committee, who spoke to state broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), as reported by Iran International.
Boroujerdi said the move shows what he described as a new “sovereign regime” in the strait after many years.
“Collecting $2 million as transit fees from some vessels crossing the strait reflects Iran’s strength,” Boroujerdi said.
“Now, because war has costs, naturally we must do this and take transit fees from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz,” he added, claiming the move shows the Islamic Republic’s “authority”.
Donald Trump’s BIG warning to Iran
Boroujerdi’s comments came after US President Donald Trump warned last week that the United States could target Iran’s power infrastructure if the strait is not reopened within 48 hours. Trump said that if Iran did not reopen the strait, the US would destroy its “various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!”
The Iranian lawmaker also referred to Trump’s threat, saying Israel’s energy infrastructure would be within Iran’s reach and could be destroyed “within a day”.
How did Iran’s president respond to the threat?
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian responded to Trump on X, saying the strait is open to all countries except Iran’s enemies. “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,” he wrote.
What warning has Iran given about closing the strait?
After Trump’s warning, Iran said the Strait of Hormuz could be “completely closed” if the United States attacks its power plants. Tehran has effectively restricted the Strait of Hormuz, which links the Persian Gulf to global shipping routes, while saying ships from non-hostile countries can pass safely. Around one-fifth of the world’s oil supply moves through the strait, but attacks on ships have already stopped most tanker traffic.
