Iran seeks to levy fees on ships in Strait of Hormuz after weaponizing waterway

Iran has turned the Strait of Hormuz into a militarized zone. The move has rendered the shipping lane unsafe for commercial traffic. Experts note that the waterway was previously a key conduit for oil. Tehran is now proposing to impose transit fees on ships that pass through. The fees would apply to vessels seeking to navigate the strategic strait. Authorities argue the charges reflect the costs of heightened security. Critics warn the policy could disrupt global energy markets. The development will be monitored by international maritime regulators.