[49239] Iranian bill: Imposing a 'transit fee' on ships in the Strait of Hormuz

[49239] Iranian bill: Imposing a 'transit fee' on ships in the Strait of Hormuz

Initiative in Tehran: Iran considers collecting transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz

A senior Iranian parliamentarian, member of the Majlis board Alireza Salimi, recently proposed that the Islamic Republic begin charging a 'transit fee' from vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. According to reports, Salimi claims that the value of goods passing through the strategic maritime route is estimated at about $1.5 trillion per year.

In a report by Iran International, which is identified with the Iranian opposition and critical of the regime's policy, Salimi was quoted as proposing to collect between one and two percent of the cargo value. According to him, collecting just one percent would generate about $15 billion for the country, while two percent would amount to $30 billion – an amount he claims exceeds the annual revenue from oil exports.

The report about the proposal was also widely circulated in domestic Iranian channels. The Hamian Pezeshkian channel, which supports the current administration, reported on the matter by highlighting the economic potential, although the publication contained a typo in the currency conversion (it mentioned $30 million instead of $30 billion). At the same time, the Akharin Khabar channel, a major Iranian media outlet close to the establishment, reported briefly on Salimi's estimates regarding the value of goods passing through the strait.

The bill is sparking great interest due to its geopolitical and economic implications, as it challenges the international status quo of freedom of navigation in one of the world's most important oil routes. It is not yet clear whether this is an official proposal in the legislative process or a political statement intended to demonstrate power against the West.