Iran Claims First Revenue Collection from Strait of Hormuz Transit Fees

Tehran. Iran has collected its first batch of revenue from toll fees imposed on vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Hamidreza Hajibabaei, Deputy Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, the funds generated from the Hormuz usage fees have been deposited into the central bank's account. Iran's semi-official news agency has not disclosed specific details regarding the amount collected or the countries whose vessels were charged. The BBC has stated that it could not independently verify these claims.

It remains unclear how much Iran is charging for transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Prior to the current ceasefire, Iran had stated that the waterway was open only to 'friendly nations' and discussed the possibility of collecting fees from passing vessels. However, it was not clarified how much was charged or if fees were actually collected. Previously, in late March, the Iranian Embassy in India denied claims that a $2 million fee was being charged for vessels to use the route.

Meanwhile, another senior lawmaker, Alireza Salimi, told the Tasnim News Agency that he had 'heard from reliable sources that Iran is collecting fees from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.' According to him, the fees vary based on the type of vessel, the volume of cargo carried, and the level of risk.

He asserted that it is Iran's decision how and how much to charge. Previously, U.S. President Donald Trump had threatened vessels that would pay fees to Iran to use the Strait of Hormuz.