Iran Moves To Monetise Hormuz — And Hold World To Ransom

Iran has raised the stakes in its war diplomacy with a bold new demand: recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz — a move that could generate billions while tightening its grip on the global economy.

The narrow waterway, through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas flows, has become Tehran’s most powerful weapon. Now, Iranian officials want to turn that leverage into a permanent economic and geopolitical tool.

From Threat To Cash Machine

For years, Iran threatened to shut the strait in the event of conflict. Few believed it would follow through — fewer still that it would work so effectively.

But with shipping traffic now severely disrupted by drone and missile attacks, global energy markets have been thrown into turmoil. Oil prices have surged, supply chains have buckled, and governments worldwide are scrambling to secure fuel.

Tehran appears to have taken note. Officials are now openly discussing a system that would charge vessels for safe passage — effectively turning Hormuz into a toll gate for global trade.

Analysts say the potential revenue is staggering. With around 20 million barrels of oil typically passing through daily, even modest fees could bring in hundreds of millions of dollars each month — rivaling the income generated by Egypt’s Suez Canal.

Legal Minefield — And Global Pushback

The proposal, however, runs headlong into international law. Under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Strait of Hormuz is considered an international waterway, meaning ships have the right to pass freely without interference or charges.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has already warned that any attempt to impose tolls would be “illegal” and “dangerous,” urging global powers to prepare a response.

Despite that, Iran appears undeterred. Lawmakers are reportedly drafting legislation to formalise a new “regime” governing access to the strait, while officials insist only “non-hostile” vessels will be allowed safe transit.

Shadow System Already Emerging

Signs suggest Tehran may already be testing the waters. Shipping data indicates some tankers are using routes closer to Iran’s coastline, with reports that certain operators may have quietly paid for safe passage.

While no companies have publicly confirmed such payments, industry insiders say a de facto system could already be taking shape — one driven by fear, uncertainty, and the sheer economic stakes involved.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has also introduced a registration system for approved vessels, tightening control over who can pass and under what conditions.

A New Global Pressure Point

For Iran, heavily constrained by sanctions, the strategy offers a low-cost way to offset economic pain while exerting maximum pressure on its adversaries.

But for the rest of the world, it represents a dangerous escalation — one that risks turning a vital التجارة artery into a geopolitical chokehold.

With negotiations stalled and military tensions still high, the battle over the Strait of Hormuz is fast becoming the defining front in a conflict that is now as much about economics as it is about war.

SOURCE

Nothing new. They were doing this previously. Houthis did it too.

Interesting to see how the ultimate deal maker gets out of this one.

1 minute ago, Patong2021 said:

Nothing new. They were doing this previously. Houthis did it too.

Iran was charging for free passage previously?

59 minutes ago, Social Media said:

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has already warned that any attempt to impose tolls would be “illegal” and “dangerous,”

You mean your tariffs and the attack on Iran to gain control over it's oil under false pretences?

4 minutes ago, MIke B Bad said:

Iran was charging for free passage previously?

The extortion was done in a different form.

The UN report from Oct. 2024 discussed the more obvious Houthi extortion in the Red Sea.

https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n24/259/53/pdf/n2425953.pdf

This was copied from the previous Iranian strategy. Kuwait and Qatar have been targeted in the past. The UAE and KSA will not be bullied by Iran and won't pay, although some companies may.

Qatar's recent offer to transfer US$6 billion was nothing new in their approach to paying off terrorists. https://www.jfeed.com/middleeast/qatar-iran-bribe-deal

Qatar has been aiding and abetting Iran for years in exchange to not being attacked.

-Qatari network Al Jazeera refrained from covering the protests in Iran in 2009 and in 2022–2023; during the 2022 World Cup, Qatar acceded to Tehran’s requests to block opposition elements and to monitor them. It also provided minimal coverage of the recent slaughter of Iranian civilians by the government.

- Qatar's role in providing indirect financial support and diplomatic cover for Iran's proxies Hamas and Hezbollah has been established.

- In 2017, Saudi Arabia was forced to take diplomatic action against Qatari financed terrorism. In 2019 Qatar was accused of having prior knowledge of Iranian attacks on tankers and a fuel supply vessel near the port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates.Qatarplaces the profits from its shared gas field with Iran ahead of Arab solidarity.

1 minute ago, IsmeUno said:

You mean your tariffs and the attack on Iran to gain control over it's oil under false pretences?

nope. US doesn't need iran's oil. Asia does.

There is really no need for the world to worry, or most of the world, at least.

Iran has made only FIVE Simple Demands:

After Iran receives reparations for damages done by Israeli bombing, then there will be no monetization of the Strait of Hormuz.

Just meet the demands, and we can all go in peace.

2 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

nope. US doesn't need iran's oil. Asia does.

Did it need Venezuela's and Guyana's oil? Sure went to a lot of trouble. Both under a Trump administration.

1 minute ago, IsmeUno said:

Did it need Venezuela's and Guyana's oil? Sure went to a lot of trouble. Both under a Trump administration.

When did the US government invade Guyana and seize its oil?

As much as I do not agee with the US intervention in Venezuela, it has been to the benefit of the Venezuelan people. The oil profits are now being returned to the Venezuelan government. Previously, they were routed through Qatar where large amounts were skimmed for the benefit of members of the Madura cabal. Revenue is no longer being used to prop up Cuba or South American rebel groups. And for the first time in decades, the transactions are transparent.

3 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

When did the US government invade Guyana and seize its oil?

They didn't need to do so. Easier to influence an election.

18 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

-Qatari network Al Jazeera refrained from covering the protests in Iran in 2009 and in 2022–2023

Just like Radio Free Asia (RFA) - a (former) propaganda tool of the US State Dept - did when it refrained from covering the student uprisings in Thailand a few years ago.