Iran Imposes Transit Fees as Trump Claims Strait of Hormuz

The Supreme National Security Council of Iran and the Iranian parliament have approved a plan to charge vessels from authorized countries service fees for transiting the Strait of Hormuz. These charges cover navigation, environmental, insurance, safety, and refueling services, payable in rials or other currencies designated by Tehran. To enforce these protocols, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority established a Non-Compliant Vessels list containing 46 ships from 17 flag states, warning that violators face fines, detention, or seizure.

These measures follow the collapse of a Pakistan-mediated memorandum of understanding on August 17 and six months of conflict sparked by U.S. and Israeli strikes in February. Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, declared the strait closed until the United States corrects its behavior and fulfills its obligations. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed the waterway is effectively under U.S. control via naval blockade, stating on social media that he would soon declare the strait U.S. territory.

Economic tensions are escalating as U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent prepares to announce the toughest sanctions in history. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi dismissed these looming sanctions as a sign of desperation. While Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for diplomatic engagement, Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir is visiting Tehran to mediate the standoff as shipping in the region reaches a virtual standstill.