International Desk: dbarta24.com- In a major escalation of maritime tensions, Iran has declared full control over the Strait of Hormuz, mandating that all vessels transiting the waterway must pay tolls in the Iranian currency, the Rial. The announcement follows the collapse of high-stakes diplomatic talks in Islamabad between U.S. and Iranian officials.
Tehran Asserts Control
Haji Babaei, the Deputy Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, confirmed that the strategic chokepoint is now under Tehran’s absolute jurisdiction. According to the semi-official Mehr News Agency, Babaei emphasized that the toll requirement is non-negotiable for any ship utilizing the passage, which handles approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies.
U.S. Counter-Moves and Trump’s Vow
The declaration comes as U.S. President Donald Trump took to Truth Social, asserting that the Strait of Hormuz would be “reopened very soon.” In an apparent show of force, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported on Saturday that two guided-missile destroyers—the USS Frank E. Peterson and the USS Michael Murphy—successfully transited the strait as part of a mine-clearing operation.
Tehran has flatly denied these reports, claiming no such vessels entered the area. Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a stern warning, stating they would take “severe action” against any military ship attempting unauthorized passage.
IMO Urges International Rejection
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has condemned the toll plan. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez characterized the move as a flagrant violation of international law.
“No country has the right to impose tolls on a transit strait like Hormuz,” Dominguez told Al Jazeera. He urged the international community to reject the payment demand, warning that complying would set a “dangerous and damaging precedent for global shipping.”
The standoff over the waterway remains the most volatile issue in the region, especially as the Islamabad dialogue ended without a breakthrough on Sunday.