Amid rising tensions in West Asia, Iran has introduced a new measure to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. The country is now charging some vessels a transit fee of $2 million (around Rs 18.8 crore) to pass through the strategic waterway.
The development comes during the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, and signals a shift in how Tehran is managing access to the strait.
'War has costs': Iran defends move
Iranian lawmaker Alaeddin Boroujerdi, a member of the parliament's national security committee, confirmed the decision in remarks to state broadcaster IRIB, reported NDTV. He described the move as part of a new approach to asserting sovereignty.
"Collecting $2 million as transit fees from some vessels crossing the strait reflects Iran's strength," Boroujerdi said.
He also linked the decision directly to the ongoing conflict. "Now, because war has costs, naturally we must do this and take transit fees from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz," he added, calling it a reflection of the country’s "authority".
Tensions rise after Trump's warning
The move follows a sharp warning from US President Donald Trump, who said Washington could target Iran's power infrastructure if the strait is not reopened within 48 hours. He warned that the US would destroy its "various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!"
Responding to this, Boroujerdi said Israel's energy infrastructure could be targeted and destroyed "within a day".
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also addressed the situation, reiterating Iran's stance on access to the strait.
"The illusion of erasing Iran from the map shows desperation against the will of a history-making nation. Threats and terror only strengthen our unity. The Strait of Hormuz is open to all except those who violate our soil. We firmly confront delirious threats on the battlefield," he said.
Iran has warned that the Strait of Hormuz could be "completely closed" if the US proceeds with any strikes on its infrastructure. The route, which carries nearly one-fifth of the world's oil supply, has already seen major disruption, with tanker movement significantly reduced.
