Iran charging up to $2 Million from ships crossing Strait of Hormuz, Claims Lawmaker

Iranian lawmaker Mohsen Zangeneh claims ships are paying between $1.5 million and $2 million to transit the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important maritime trade routes.

Post Published By: Rohit Goyal

Updated : 7 June 2026, 6:03 PM IST

Strait of Hormuz

Tehran: A senior Iranian lawmaker has claimed that ships passing through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz are being charged between $1.5 million and $2 million for transit, adding a new dimension to tensions surrounding one of the world's busiest maritime chokepoints.

Mohsen Zangeneh, a member of Iran's parliamentary Budget and Planning Commission, said the payments are being collected from vessels passing through the waterway and deposited into the country's treasury. The remarks were made in an interview with the semi-official Fars news agency. Reports citing his comments said the average payment ranges from $1.5 million to $2 million per ship.

Strait of Hormuz Remains Critical Global Trade Route

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital shipping corridor connecting the Persian Gulf with global markets and is used by a significant share of the world's oil and gas exports. Iran has increasingly asserted authority over maritime traffic through the strait, arguing that it shares oversight responsibilities with Oman, which lies on the opposite side of the waterway.

Claims Differ From International Maritime Norms

Iran's position differs from the widely accepted interpretation of international maritime law, which generally treats the Strait of Hormuz as an international transit route. In recent months, reports have suggested that some vessels have paid substantial transit or security fees to ensure safe passage through the strait.

The latest comments come amid heightened geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, with the waterway remaining under close international scrutiny.