Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran

Tehran, Mar 23: Iran is reportedly charging up to $2 million from merchant vessels to allow passage through the strategic Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, according to a media report citing an Iranian lawmaker.

Alaeddin Boroujerdi, a member of Iran’s parliamentary national security committee, was quoted as saying the move reflects Tehran’s “authority” over the vital waterway. “War has costs, and naturally we must take transit fees from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz,” he reportedly said.

The Strait, which handles nearly 20 percent of global oil and LNG shipments, has remained largely disrupted since early March due to escalating hostilities. The restrictions have significantly impacted global fuel supply, contributing to rising energy prices worldwide.

Reports suggest Iran is enforcing the restrictions selectively, allowing passage to vessels from countries it does not consider hostile. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has indicated that ships linked to “friendly” nations may be permitted transit.

In recent days, some Indian-flagged LPG carriers and a Pakistani oil tanker were reportedly allowed to pass through the strait, even as most maritime traffic remains stalled.

Tensions escalated further after Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding that Iran fully reopen the waterway, warning of strikes on Iranian power infrastructure if it failed to comply.

In response, Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned of retaliatory attacks on regional energy and infrastructure assets, while the Revolutionary Guards threatened a complete shutdown of the strait in case of further escalation.

The continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has pushed global shipping into uncertainty, with several incidents, including attacks on fuel tankers, further intensifying concerns over maritime security in the region.