Iran Parliament Approves Hormuz Toll Bill, US Tensions Rise
- By Thetripurapost Web Desk, Teheran
- Aug 24, 2026
- 193
Iran’s parliament has advanced a proposal to impose charges on vessels using the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, adding a new dimension to the escalating confrontation between Tehran and Washington. Iranian media reports say ships permitted to navigate the waterway could be required to pay for maritime services and other facilities.
The proposed system comes as shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely disrupted amid the wider US-Iran confrontation. Recent shipping data showed fewer than 20 commodity vessels crossed the strategic waterway over the weekend, highlighting the continuing impact on one of the world's most important energy corridors.
Iran Moves Ahead With Hormuz Shipping Fee Proposal
Iranian lawmakers have backed a plan under which selected vessels using the Strait of Hormuz could be charged for services provided during transit.
Hassan Kashkavi, spokesman for Iran’s Parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said the proposed payments could cover maritime support, security arrangements and insurance-related services.
Under special circumstances, the package could also include environmental assistance and fuel supplies. Payments could reportedly be made in Iranian currency or another currency approved by Tehran.
The development follows earlier reports that Iran has been working to formalise a fee-based system for vessels passing through the strategic waterway.
US Intensifies Economic Pressure on Iran
The proposed Hormuz toll mechanism comes as Washington prepares to significantly increase economic pressure on Tehran.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has described the administration’s campaign against Iran as an “economic D-Day,” with Washington seeking to further restrict Iran’s financial and commercial lifelines.
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The United States has indicated that additional sanctions will target economic activity connected to Iran, while countries continuing to support Tehran could also face pressure from Washington.
The confrontation has already affected international shipping and energy markets, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining at the centre of the crisis.
Iran Warns Countries Supporting US Sanctions
Tehran has simultaneously warned neighbouring countries against cooperating with Washington’s economic campaign.
Iran’s senior security officials have said nations that assist the United States in applying new economic measures against Iran could face retaliation.
The warning comes as Washington seeks broader international support for its campaign to isolate the Iranian economy.
Trump’s Controversial Claim Over Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump has also made controversial statements about the future status of the Strait of Hormuz, including referring to it as potential “US territory.”
The comments have added another layer to an already tense dispute over control, security and freedom of navigation through the strategically important waterway.
Why Strait of Hormuz Is Crucial for Global Energy
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and serves as a major route for international oil and gas shipments.
Any prolonged disruption can have consequences well beyond the Middle East because energy exporters and importers across Asia and other regions depend heavily on maritime traffic through the passage.
Current shipping data indicates that traffic has fallen dramatically compared with normal levels, with activity during the week ending August 21 estimated to be around 90% below pre-conflict levels.
Two Routes Emerge Amid Hormuz Crisis
As security conditions have deteriorated, vessels have increasingly been associated with alternative navigation patterns through the Strait.
Northern Iranian Route
One route follows the Iranian side of the waterway, passing near islands including Larak and Qeshm before connecting with Iranian ports and energy infrastructure.
Southern Route Near Oman
Another passage lies closer to Oman and the southern side of the Strait. Some commercial vessels have used this corridor amid heightened security concerns and naval activity.
The changing movement of ships reflects the growing complications facing international shipping companies operating in and around the Persian Gulf.
Strait of Hormuz Crisis Raises Global Shipping Concerns
The combination of Iranian restrictions, proposed transit charges, US sanctions and declining vessel traffic has turned the Strait of Hormuz into one of the most closely watched maritime flashpoints in the world.
For global energy markets, the central concern is whether the disruption will deepen and how long commercial shipping will remain constrained.
With Washington intensifying its economic campaign and Tehran warning countries against supporting US measures, the future of shipping through the Strait remains closely tied to the wider US-Iran confrontation.
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