As Iran explores potentially imposing a fee on vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz, officials in Tehran estimate the move could generate significant revenue. According to Iran International, Yahya Al-e Es’hagh, head of the Iran-Iraq Joint Chamber of Commerce, suggested Tehran could theoretically generate between $70 billion and $80 billion annually by levying fees on ships using the strait, which carries a significant share of global commerce.Estimates from Iranian economists suggest Tehran could earn as much as $60 billion annually from transit tariffs alone, while some officials have floated even higher projections of up to $70–$80 billion if a broader fee system is fully enforced across the waterway.
Speaking to ILNA, he said Iran could “at least” impose a 10 per cent charge under maritime law for services provided in the waterway, framing it as a legal and economic opportunity rather than a formal policy decision. The proposal comes as commercial traffic increasingly shifts into Iranian territorial waters, with some routes informally dubbed the “Tehran Toll Booth”. Lloyd’s List Intelligence reported in March that at least two vessels had already paid Iran for safe passage, signalling what may be an early test of this approach.The idea is emerging against the backdrop of a prolonged and costly Middle East war that has disrupted shipping lanes and rattled global markets. Oil prices, which surged in the early weeks of the conflict, showed signs of easing after US President Donald Trump said the war could end within weeks and suggested Washington would step back from securing the strait. “Go get your own oil,” he told allies, adding that it would not be America’s responsibility to keep the passage open once military operations conclude.At the same time, Britain is preparing to host a meeting of around 35 countries aimed at restoring navigation through the strait, which has been severely affected by ongoing hostilities. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the talks would focus on ensuring the safety of ships and resuming the flow of vital commodities, underscoring the waterway’s central role in global energy supplies.The economic fallout is already spreading. Germany has downgraded its growth outlook, warning of rising inflation driven by energy costs, while the Bank of England described the war as a “substantial negative supply shock” to the global economy. Fuel prices have climbed worldwide, with India raising jet fuel rates and countries like Australia urging citizens to conserve energy.