TEHRAN: Iran has begun considering a proposal to impose transit fees on vessels passing through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
According to international media reports, the move could be an attempt by Iran to convert its growing control over the key maritime route into economic leverage.
Since the onset of its conflict with the United States and Israel, Iran has disrupted the movement of ships it considers linked to its adversaries or their allies.
Iranian media cited a lawmaker as saying that a bill is under consideration that would require all countries using the Strait whether for transporting goods, energy, or food to pay tolls and taxes to Iran.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Mokhber, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, stated that a new regulatory framework for the Strait of Hormuz would be introduced after the war. Under the proposed system, Iran could impose maritime restrictions on countries that have sanctioned it.
He added that Iran may leverage its strategic position to exert pressure on Western nations, including potentially blocking their vessels from passing through the crucial waterway.
