NewKerala.com

Iran Approves Tolls on Strait of Hormuz, Bans US and Israeli Ships

Iran's parliamentary security committee has formally approved a plan to impose tolls on vessels transiting the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The plan explicitly bans passage for American and Israeli ships and those from countries enforcing unilateral sanctions on Iran. This move escalates tensions amid ongoing conflict in West Asia, with the US Treasury Secretary stating the US intends to retake control of the strait to ensure freedom of navigation. Former US President Donald Trump further threatened to target Iran's energy infrastructure if the strait is not reopened.

Key Points: Iran to Impose Tolls on Strait of Hormuz, Bans US Vessels

  • Iran approves toll plan for Strait of Hormuz
  • Bans US and Israeli vessels
  • US vows to retake control of the waterway
  • Trump threatens Iranian infrastructure
  • Strait is a critical global oil chokepoint
3 min read

Iran's Parliament Security Committee approves plan to impose tolls on Strait of Hormuz

Iran's parliament committee approves a plan to charge tolls for Strait of Hormuz passage and bans American & Israeli ships, escalating tensions.

"over time, the US is going to retake control of the straits - Scott Bessent"

Tehran, March 31

Iran's Parliament Security Committee on Monday approved the Strait of Hormuz Management Plan, which includes measures to impose tolls on vessels passing through the strategic waterway, as reported by Iranian state media, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting.

According to the IRIB, a member of the National Security Commission announced that the plan was formally approved, detailing key areas of focus, including security arrangements for the Strait, ship safety, environmental protection, financial arrangements, and the implementation of a rial-based toll system.

The plan also explicitly bans passage for American and Israeli vessels, reinforces the sovereign role of Iran and its armed forces, and outlines cooperation with Oman in establishing the legal framework for the Strait. Additionally, it prohibits passage for countries participating in unilateral sanctions against Iran, as reported by IRIB.

The approved measures come amid ongoing conflict in West Asia between Iran and the US-Israeli coalition, currently in its second month, and reflect Tehran's efforts to assert control over one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, through which a significant portion of global oil shipments transit.

Earlier in the day, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in an interview with Fox News that the United States is going to retake control of the Strait of Hormuz, which would eventually have freedom of navigation.

He said that while individual deals have been cut by countries to cross the Strait of Hormuz, eventually the US would regain control over it either through American escorts or a multinational escort.

"The market is well supplied and we are seeing more and more ships go through on a daily basis as individual countries cut deals with the Iranian regime for the time being. over time, the US is going to retake control of the straits and there will be freedom of navigation, whether it is through US escorts or a multinational escort," he said.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump threatened to target Iran's civilian energy infrastructure, including power plants, oil wells and Kharg Island, if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "Great progress has been made, but if for any reason a deal is not shortly reached, which it probably will be, and if the Hormuz Strait is not immediately 'Open for Business', we will conclude our lovely 'stay' in Iran by blowing up and completely obliterating all of their Electric Generating Plants, Oil Wells and Kharg Island."

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The US response, especially the threats against civilian infrastructure, is completely disproportionate and reckless. You can't "obliterate" a nation's power plants and expect peace. This tit-for-tat between Washington and Tehran is pushing the whole region to the brink. The international community needs to step in before this spirals out of control.
R
Rohit P
From an Indian perspective, this is worrying. A significant part of our crude comes via that route. Any disruption means higher petrol and diesel prices for the common man. Hope our foreign ministry is working behind the scenes. We have good relations with both Iran and the US; maybe we can play a mediating role? 🤔
A
Ananya R
While I understand Iran's frustration with sanctions, this move feels like cutting off your nose to spite your face. It will alienate more countries and give the US a stronger pretext for action. The focus should be on de-escalation, not on measures that feel like a blockade. The common people on all sides suffer the most in these conflicts.
K
Karthik V
The mention of cooperation with Oman is interesting. Oman has often been a neutral mediator in the Gulf. If they are involved in the legal framework, maybe there's a slim chance for a rules-based solution rather than pure muscle-flexing. But the bans on US and Israeli ships make any negotiation very difficult.
J
James A
Trump's statement reads like a mob boss's threat. It's utterly irresponsible for a former (or any) President to openly talk about destroying a country's civilian energy infrastructure. This isn't strength; it's brinkmanship that endangers global stability

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50