Iran has announced plans to require ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz to pay tolls. The announcement specifically mentioned barring ‘Americans and the Zionist regime’ from using the vital waterway.
The news was shared on Telegram by Iranian officials shortly after the White House reiterated ongoing talks with Tehran. The plan, titled “Approval of the plan to impose tolls on the Strait of Hormuz in the Parliament’s Security Commission,” was disclosed by the official Fars news agency, indicating that ships passing through the strait under Iranian authority would be obligated to pay tolls.
This decision follows a series of ship attacks in the Strait of Hormuz since the commencement of US-Israeli strikes on Iran a month ago. The White House press briefing confirmed the talks between the US and Iran, despite contradicting statements from Iranian officials denying ongoing negotiations.
The White House Press Secretary outlined the administration’s objectives, including destroying the Iranian Navy, ballistic missiles, defense industrial infrastructure, and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The reopening of the strait remains a priority while focusing on the core objectives defined by the administration.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged a proposal from the Trump administration but emphasized no direct negotiations with Washington had occurred. Iranian parliament speaker dismissed talks in Pakistan as a ploy to deploy more US troops in the region.
Tensions have escalated with the US conducting airstrikes targeting military positions on Kharg. Iran has threatened a ground invasion of Gulf Arab countries and mining the Persian Gulf if US troops land on its soil, potentially requiring passage through the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf.
Experts suggest that holding Kharg Island would be challenging due to its strategic location within artillery range from the Iranian mainland, coupled with its missile and drone capabilities.
