Iran approves plan to impose tolls on Strait of Hormuz in major blow for Trump

Iran lawmakers have backed a plan to introduce tolls for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz - the narrow corridor through which roughly a fifth of global oil supply flows

Abigail Hunt Content Editor

19:53, 30 Mar 2026Updated 20:23, 30 Mar 2026

American and Israeli ships won't be allowed to move through

Iranian Parliament's Security Commission has approved a plan to impose tolls on the Strait of Hormuz and stop America and Israel from moving through.

A member of the National Security Commission announced the approval of the plan for managing the Strait of Hormuz and adding "tolls". In a post on Telegram, Fars news agency noted the key areas for the plan, including prohibiting "Americans and the Zionist regime from transit" - meaning US and Israel ships won't be allowed through.

Strait security arrangements
Shipping safety
Environmental issues
Financial arrangements and rial toll systems
Prohibition of "Americans and the Zionist regime" from transit
Implementing the sovereign role of Iran and the armed forces
Cooperation of the esteemed country of Oman in the structure of the legal regime

[Trump crosses his arms]

It's a huge blow for Trump(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

The controversial new proposal could dramatically reshape one of the worlds most critical oil chokepoints, raising the risk of international confrontation and economic disruption.

According to Iranian state-linked media, lawmakers have backed a plan to introduce tolls for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz - the narrow corridor through which roughly a fifth of global oil supply flows. The proposal also includes a provision to block transit by ships associated with the United States and Israel.

The move, if enacted, would mark a major escalation in Irans long-running efforts to assert control over the strategic waterway, which lies between Iran and Oman. While Iranian officials framed the plan as a matter of sovereignty and regional security, analysts will warn it could trigger sharp responses from Western powers and US allies.

The Strait of Hormuz is widely regarded as the worlds most important maritime oil transit route. Any disruption - whether through tolls, restrictions, or conflict - could send energy prices surging worldwide.

[Commercial ships anchor off the coast of the United Arab Emirates due to navigation disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz]

Commercial ships anchor off the coast of the United Arab Emirates due to navigation disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

Shipping companies and energy markets are likely to react nervously to the proposal, particularly the idea of selectively banning vessels tied to specific countries. Such a move would challenge longstanding principles of freedom of navigation under international maritime law.

The proposals explicit mention of barring US and Israeli transit is likely to heighten already strained relations. The United States Navy maintains a significant presence in the region to ensure open shipping lanes, and any attempt to enforce restrictions could lead to direct confrontation.

Israel, while not geographically adjacent to the strait, relies on global shipping routes that could be indirectly affected by such measures.

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Iranian officials also emphasised a greater role for their armed forces in enforcing the plan, alongside potential coordination with Oman on a new legal framework governing the strait.

Beyond security concerns, the proposal outlines a broader regulatory system covering shipping safety, environmental protections and financial mechanisms - including toll payments potentially denominated in Irans national currency, the rial.

If implemented, tolls could provide Iran with a new revenue stream at a time of ongoing economic pressure from international sanctions. However, enforcing such a system on international shipping would likely face significant resistance.

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