The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi, has alleged that Iran is charging vessels fees to ensure safe passage through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, marking the first such accusation by a senior regional official.
Al-Budaiwi, who represents the six-member bloc comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, raised concerns over the implications of such practices on global shipping and regional stability.
Iranian media outlets, including Fars News Agency and Tasnim News Agency, reported that Iranian lawmaker Mohammadreza Rezaei Kouchi indicated that the country’s parliament is working to formalize a mechanism for levying transit fees on ships. He was quoted as saying that since Iran provides security in the waterway, it is reasonable for vessels, including oil tankers, to pay for safe passage.
Shipping intelligence firm Lloyd’s List Intelligence described the development as a “de facto toll booth regime.” According to its assessment, while not all vessels are currently being charged, at least two ships have reportedly made payments, with transactions settled in Chinese yuan.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil and gas shipments, making any changes to transit practices a matter of international concern.