Iran officially announced Thursday evening that it will collect a tax from vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to an official statement. The announcement adds to the ongoing dispute over maritime passage fees in the strategic waterway.
Iran officially announced Thursday evening that it will collect a tax from vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to an official statement. The announcement uses the term 'tax' (מס) and is the latest in a series of Iranian statements asserting sovereignty over the waterway and the right to levy fees.
The Zioneer has reported extensively on Iran's position regarding the strait in recent months. On June 18, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman stated that management of the strait is the sole responsibility of Iran and Oman and that Tehran would charge fees for services provided. On June 21, a member of the Iranian negotiating team warned that 'you will pay at Hormuz — that is final.' On June 24, Iran announced it would not collect tolls for 60 days, a temporary measure. The new announcement appears to signal a firmer stance, though it is not yet clear whether it represents an immediate change in policy or further diplomatic positioning.
The United States has consistently rejected any Iranian-imposed tolls on the strait, which is a critical chokepoint for global oil and trade. The timing of the announcement also comes amid broader tensions between Tehran and Washington over the Hormuz dispute.
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