Iran has announced that its fee collection system for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz has become fully operational. Zanganeh, a member of the Parliament's Planning and Budget Commission, stated that the fee per passage averages between 1.5 million and 2 million dollars.
Zanganeh noted that the fee collection process has moved beyond a policy proposal and is now an actively implemented system. He explained that the system operates within an official framework established under the supervision of the Supreme National Security Council.
Payment Methods Not Limited to Cash
Under Iran's new regulation, payments are not made solely in cash. According to the official, some ships pay their fees via Tether cryptocurrency, while others fulfill their obligations through goods or barter.
In this method, the value of the goods or services delivered by the ship is calculated and deducted from the debt. This allows settlements to be made through the delivery of goods or services instead of cash transfers on certain voyages.
Trace of a 12-Point Plan
This development aligns with an earlier announcement from the Iranian parliament in April, which revealed a 12-point management plan for the Strait of Hormuz.
The foundations of this plan were reportedly laid during a visit to Ibnadar Abbas and the Strait of Hormuz. The administrative structure that emerged from this visit became the basis for the current system in place.
Zanganeh mentioned that a special mechanism was established in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy to implement the plan. The collected revenues are transferred to the national treasury in accordance with the budget law and directed to designated expenditure items.
New Control Line in Maritime Traffic
The report also noted that in mid-March, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards began directing ships to a route closer to Iranian shores instead of the usual passage line. This change is seen as a move to tighten control over the transit process in the strait.
During the same period, the nationality, ownership, cargo, and crew of ships were inspected. This practice established a comprehensive inspection process before granting passage permission.
Economic Justification and Legal Debate
One Iranian official argued that the 2 million dollar transit fee charged to some ships reflects Iran's strength. An economist pointed out that ships waiting in line could incur higher costs due to fuel, personnel, loan payments, repair expenses, and war insurance.
However, the practice has raised serious objections under international maritime law. The Law of the Sea Convention emphasizes that passage rights through international straits should not be obstructed.
Iran signed the convention in 1982 but did not ratify it. The report indicated that Tehran places this distinction at the core of its legal defense.
While some Iranian commentators suggest that annual revenues from strait fees could range between 40 billion and 100 billion dollars, more cautious estimates place this figure between 1 billion and 2 billion dollars. These calculations reinforce the view that high expectations are unrealistic.
The latest statement reveals that Iran views its control over the Strait of Hormuz not as a temporary crisis measure but as an institutionalized economic-strategic arrangement intended to be maintained long-term.
