‘Toll Plaza’ in the Strait of Hormuz? Iran Prepares to Charge Passing Ships

Tehran: Iran's parliamentary committee has given the go-ahead to a plan to charge ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz a fee in the name of services. This move is being seen as an attempt to generate new revenue amid increasing economic pressure on Tehran. Under the proposal, ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz may have to pay fees in exchange for certain services.

The National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of Iran's Parliament has approved this plan. It is being said that a kind of toll plaza like system can be prepared for the ships passing through it. However, questions have started being raised at the international level regarding this decision.

From which ships is Iran preparing to collect fees?

According to the proposed plan, Iran could charge ships passing near its maritime borders a fee for providing certain services. These may include services related to navigation, environment, insurance and security. In special circumstances, fees may also be charged for fuel and other facilities.

Will all ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz have to pay duty?

According to Iranian MP Hassan Ghashghavi, this fee can be collected from foreign ships that pass through the Strait of Hormuz. He indicated that the payment could be made in Iranian Rial or any other currency decided by Iran.

Can tolls be imposed on ships under international law?

According to maritime law, the movement of international ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz cannot be arbitrarily obstructed. Under normal circumstances, charging toll just for passing through there is also a legally complex issue. However, it may be permissible to charge a fee for providing certain services.

On the basis of this provision, Iran is reportedly preparing to impose fees in the name of services like navigation and security.

Why does Iran need new revenue now?

According to analysts, financial challenges for Iran have increased under the pressure of increasing economic sanctions. The price of Iranian Rial is also said to have reached a record low level. In such a situation, Tehran is looking for new revenue sources and this plan is considered a step in that direction.

Can oil prices increase due to this decision of Iran?

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important sea routes in the world. A large amount of international oil and energy supplies pass through here. If this plan of Iran is implemented then there may be additional economic burden on international ships.

Its effect can also be seen on the oil and energy markets. In case of increasing regional tensions, the concerns of global markets may increase further.

Can this decision increase tension between America and Iran?

Some reports say that Iran's move is also being seen as a response to American sanctions. If this plan is implemented, it could impose tariffs on international ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz and is likely to further escalate the already existing tension between the US and Iran.