A key committee in Iran’s parliament has approved a controversial proposal to impose tolls on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to local media reports on Tuesday, in a move that could have far-reaching implications for global trade and regional security.
The measure, which was cleared by the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, introduces a framework of new regulations governing one of the world’s most strategically important waterways. Central to the proposal is a financial provision requiring ships transiting the strait to pay fees in Iran’s national currency, the rial.
Details of the development were reported by the Fars News Agency, which quoted commission member Mojtaba Zarei as confirming the passage of the bill at the committee level. According to him, the proposed legislation goes beyond economic measures, incorporating a set of restrictions that could significantly alter access to the critical maritime route.
Among the most contentious provisions is a clause that would bar vessels linked to the United States and Israel from passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The bill also seeks to deny access to ships from countries that have imposed unilateral sanctions on Iran, further escalating tensions between Tehran and Western-aligned nations.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, serves as a vital corridor for global energy supplies, with a significant percentage of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passing through it daily. Any disruption or restriction in the waterway is widely viewed as a potential trigger for economic instability, affecting international markets and energy prices.
Despite clearing the committee stage, the proposal is yet to become law. It must still pass a full vote in Iran’s parliament before undergoing review by the Guardian Council, a constitutional body responsible for ensuring legislation complies with Islamic law and the constitution. Final approval would require the signature of the president.
The development comes against the backdrop of escalating regional tensions, following a major military confrontation involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. The situation has remained volatile since a reported joint offensive by Israel and the US on February 28, which allegedly resulted in the deaths of more than 1,300 people, including Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The reported killing of such a high-profile figure marked a dramatic escalation in hostilities and has since triggered a series of retaliatory actions by Iran. In response, Tehran has launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as locations in Jordan, Iraq, and several Gulf countries believed to host US military assets.
These retaliatory operations have reportedly caused casualties and inflicted damage on critical infrastructure, while also contributing to disruptions in global markets and aviation operations. Airlines have been forced to reroute flights to avoid affected airspace, and investors have reacted nervously to the heightened risk of a broader regional conflict.
Analysts suggest that the proposed toll plan for the Strait of Hormuz may be part of Iran’s broader strategy to assert control over the waterway and leverage its geographic advantage amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. By introducing financial and access restrictions, Tehran could seek to exert pressure on adversaries while generating additional revenue under challenging economic conditions.
However, the proposal has also raised concerns among international stakeholders, including major oil-importing countries and maritime operators, who rely heavily on the uninterrupted flow of goods through the strait. Experts warn that any attempt to restrict access or impose unilateral conditions could provoke strong reactions from the global community and potentially lead to further escalation.
Maritime security analysts note that the enforcement of such measures would be particularly complex, given the presence of international naval forces in the region tasked with ensuring freedom of navigation. Any move to block or restrict vessels could increase the risk of direct confrontation at sea.
While Iranian officials have yet to provide detailed guidance on how the proposed toll system would be implemented, the inclusion of currency requirements and geopolitical restrictions suggests a significant shift in policy regarding the management of the strait.
As the bill progresses through the legislative process, attention will be focused on how Iranian lawmakers debate its provisions and whether any amendments will be introduced. The position of the Guardian Council will also be critical in determining whether the proposal aligns with constitutional and legal standards.
For now, the approval of the toll plan at the committee level signals Tehran’s intent to explore new mechanisms for asserting its influence over a key global trade route at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty.
The coming weeks are likely to see intensified diplomatic activity as regional and international actors respond to the development, with the potential for significant implications for global energy security, maritime trade, and geopolitical stability.
