Strait of Hormuz: Who gets through, who doesn’t — and can Iran charge ships for passage?
Iran has effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, allowing only ships from friendly nations such as India, China, and Russia to pass through. The Iranian government is also considering imposing a fee on ships in exchange for safe passage, which is not legally permitted under international law.
Iran has blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, reducing the number of vessels passing through from over 130 per day to just three to four. The blockade affects ships from the US, Israel, and their allies, but allows passage for ships from friendly nations. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi named India, China, Russia, Iraq, and Pakistan as countries whose ships will be allowed to pass. The Iranian government is considering imposing a fee on ships for safe passage, with reports suggesting some vessels have already been charged up to $2 million. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has put a 'toll-booth system' in place, requiring ship operators to submit to a vetting scheme. The IRGC issues a clearance code and route instructions to approved vessels, which are then escorted through Iranian territorial waters.
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