Iran Plans to Charge Fees For Ships Passing Through Strait Of Hormuz, Lawmaker Says

Last Updated:May 16, 2026, 17:03 IST

Iran plans a new Strait of Hormuz transit system, limiting access to friendly states and charging ship fees, raising concerns for global oil trade and regional maritime security.

Iran is preparing a new mechanism to regulate maritime traffic through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, with plans to impose fees on ships using the route, according to a senior Iranian lawmaker.

Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s parliamentary committee on national security and foreign policy, said Tehran has finalised a framework to manage vessel movement through the waterway via a designated passage system. The details of the plan are expected to be announced soon.

Azizi stated that access under the proposed arrangement would be limited to commercial ships and countries maintaining cooperative relations with Iran. He added that Iran intends to charge fees in exchange for “specialised services" provided as part of the transit mechanism.

The move could have major implications for global energy markets, as the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints, with a significant share of global crude exports passing through the narrow waterway.

The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions and renewed scrutiny over maritime security in the Gulf, raising concerns over possible impacts on international shipping and trade.

Araghchi also said India could play a greater diplomatic role in West Asia due to its ties with countries across the Persian Gulf, while reiterating Tehran’s willingness to deepen cooperation with New Delhi on trade, transit and regional stability.

Iran’s latest comments on the Strait of Hormuz and Chabahar signal an attempt to expand its influence over critical regional trade routes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and continued sanctions pressure.

News world Iran Plans to Charge Fees For Ships Passing Through Strait Of Hormuz, Lawmaker Says

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