Iran is reportedly charging tankers up to $2M to cross the Strait of Hormuz
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The Iranian regime is charging another $2 million for tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz in a bid to further its control of the world’s shipping hub, according to reports.
Iranian lawyer Alaeddin Boroujerdi told the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) on Sunday that the large number of people indicates the beginning of a new way to control the waterway, Iran International reported.
“Collecting two million dollars as travel expenses for some cruise ships shows the strength of Iran,” Boroujerdi said during a television program quoted by Iranian media.
A member of Parliament’s national security committee also said the move had already been made and showed what he called a “new independent regime” in distress after decades, the source said.
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Iran is reportedly charging another $2 million for tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. (Getty Images/Getty Images)
“Now, because the war has costs, naturally we have to do this and take money for the passage of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
Boroujerdi’s comments come after President Donald Trump warned on Saturday that the United States could target Iran’s energy infrastructure if the strait is not reopened within 48 hours.
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President Donald Trump warned on Saturday that the US could strike Iran’s power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened. (Getty Images)
“If Iran DOES FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 hours from this exact point in time, the United States of America will strike and destroy their ENERGY FACILITIES, STARTING MASSIVELY FIRST!” Trump said in a post shared on Truth Social.
The strait is “open to everyone” except Iran’s enemies, Tehran’s permanent representative to the International Maritime Organization, Ali Mousavi, also told Mehr News Agency on Sunday, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also put Iran’s policy on X.
“The Strait of Hormuz is open to everyone except those who violate our soil,” he said.
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According to Lloyds List, Iran has established a ‘safe’ shipping port in the Strait of Hormuz and is providing inspected tankers for clearance – and “in at least one case, a reported payment of $2m,” it said.
Several governments, including China, India, Pakistan, Malaysia and Iraq are in talks with Tehran over shipping, as Iran’s Revolutionary Guard sets up a new system to register ships that are “approved” for safe sailing, the outlet reported.
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Maritime intelligence firm Windward AI reported that traffic in the Strait of Hormuz was “on the verge of collapsing.” (Stringer/File Photo/File Photo/Reuters)
Maritime intelligence firm Windward AI reported on Sunday that Strait of Hormuz traffic was “on the verge of collapsing”, with “16 AIS crossings recorded in the past seven days.”
Traffic is heavily regulated, as ships are once again passing through Iranian waters, the company said, noting that energy shipments to the Gulf continue to decline, with crude and LPG flows slowing.
“Iranian exports are still active, supported by the alternative and continued supply of water,” Windward said.
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The strait normally carries 20 million barrels of oil per day and about 20% of the world’s liquefied natural gas trade. The shutdown raised shipping and insurance costs, drove up oil prices, and raised concerns about the global economy.
Russian crude capacity remains high, underpinning continued reliance on seaborne transport, Windward said.
