Iranian officials are exploring new legislation that would charge transit fees to ships navigating through the Strait of Hormuz, according to statements from a member of parliament on Thursday. The move would capitalize on Iran’s strategic control over the crucial shipping corridor that handles about 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas transportation.
Tehran has already been interfering with ship movements through the waterway since the current Middle East conflict began, targeting vessels it believes are connected to opposing nations and their supporters.
The Iranian Students’ News Agency reported that parliamentary members are reviewing proposed legislation requiring nations that use the strait for commercial shipping, energy transportation, and food deliveries to pay fees and taxes to Iran.
A senior advisor to Iran’s supreme leader indicated that once the current war concludes, Tehran plans to implement “a new regime for the Strait of Hormuz” that would allow the country to impose maritime limitations on nations that have imposed sanctions against it.
“By using the strategic position of the Strait of Hormuz, we can sanction (the West) and prevent their ships from passing through this waterway,” Mohammad Mokhber stated on Thursday, as reported by the Mehr news agency.
