Iran has announced that it has collected its first revenue from tolls imposed on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route responsible for a significant share of the world’s oil and gas transport.
According to Iran’s Parliament Deputy Speaker, Hamidreza Haji Babaei, the payments have already been deposited into the country’s Central Bank account. His remarks were reported on Thursday by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency.
“First revenues from transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz have been deposited into the Central Bank account,” Haji Babaei stated, indicating that the new toll system is now operational.
Another Iranian lawmaker, Alireza Salimi, also confirmed to Tasnim that Tehran has begun collecting fees from ships navigating the strategic waterway. However, he did not provide specific figures on the number of vessels that have already paid.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important maritime chokepoints in the world, linking the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea. A large percentage of global energy exports, particularly crude oil and liquefied natural gas, pass through the narrow waterway daily, making it a critical artery for international trade and energy security.
According to reports cited by Tasnim, the amount charged to ships varies depending on factors such as cargo type, volume, and the perceived level of risk associated with each vessel. Iranian authorities are said to determine both the tariff structure and the collection mechanisms, giving Tehran direct control over pricing and enforcement.
While officials confirmed the commencement of toll collection, they did not disclose operational details such as enforcement procedures, compliance levels, or the identities of shipping companies that have made payments.
Earlier reports had indicated that Iran was preparing to implement such a system more formally. On April 8, The Wall Street Journal reported that Tehran had moved to tighten control over the Strait of Hormuz by instructing ships to arrange toll payments in advance with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). That report also claimed that payments could be made using cryptocurrency or Chinese yuan, signaling an attempt to bypass Western financial systems.
In addition, Iran’s semi-official ISNA news agency reported on March 19 that lawmakers were considering legislation to officially mandate transit fees for all vessels passing through the corridor. If fully enacted, such a law would institutionalize Iran’s authority over pricing and collection in the strategic waterway.
Shipping activity in the Strait of Hormuz has reportedly faced disruptions in recent weeks, amid heightened regional tensions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran and Israel. Analysts have warned that any sustained disruption in the strait could have immediate and far-reaching consequences for global energy markets, potentially increasing oil prices and supply chain instability.
The situation has already contributed to volatility in global markets, as traders react to uncertainty surrounding the security of maritime routes. The Strait of Hormuz is widely considered one of the most sensitive geopolitical chokepoints in the world due to its narrow geography and the heavy reliance of energy-importing nations on its uninterrupted flow.
Diplomatic developments have also played a role in shaping the current environment. On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced an extension of a ceasefire with Iran following a request from Pakistan. He stated that the truce would remain in place until Tehran submits what he described as a “unified proposal,” suggesting ongoing behind-the-scenes negotiations aimed at reducing tensions.
Iran’s decision to begin collecting transit fees adds another layer to an already complex geopolitical and economic situation in the region. While Tehran frames the move as a sovereign economic measure, it is likely to be closely watched by global powers, shipping companies, and energy markets due to its potential impact on international trade routes and maritime stability.
As developments continue, the Strait of Hormuz remains at the center of global attention, with any policy shift or escalation carrying significant implications for international energy security and regional stability.
