The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Friday that Tehran will maintain its freedom of action in the Strait of Hormuz and will not permit independent transit by other states. The IRGC stated it will demand a transit fee of approximately 7% from every vessel passing through the strategic waterway, according to a statement carried by the source.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Friday escalated its pressure on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz by announcing a 7% transit fee for all vessels, vowing to maintain its freedom of action and prevent independent navigation by other states. The statement, carried by the source, marks the first time the IRGC has specified a percentage for the transit fee, though it has previously demanded coordination and payment of fees for passage.
The Zioneer has reported extensively on the IRGC's tightening control over the Strait of Hormuz over the past two months. In early July, the IRGC announced that all vessels must coordinate with Iranian forces and pay a transit fee before entering the waterway. Later, in late July, the IRGC claimed it repelled two oil tankers and threatened to keep the waterway closed. The IRGC has also declared the strait closed to Israel-linked vessels and has asserted full control, threatening force against unauthorized vessels. These moves have been rejected by the US and Gulf states, who have demanded assurances that Iran will not threaten the region.
The new demand for a 7% fee is likely to further strain diplomatic efforts and increase tensions in the Persian Gulf. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, and any disruption has immediate economic implications.
2 developments
- DevelopingIRGC announces transit fee, mandatory coordination for Strait of Hormuz passage
- StrongIran's IRGC asserts full control of Strait of Hormuz, threatens force on unauthorized vessels
- StrongUS, Gulf states reject Iran's demand for Strait of Hormuz transit fees, guarantees — WSJ
- StrongIRGC rejects American proposal, vows to maintain control of Strait of Hormuz
Source and signal
- Open-source intake