Theoretically they could. In reality, they won't. Firstly, because they are not governed by a fundamentalist and revolutionary theocratic regime whose foreign policy has, for decades, sought to export the ideals of the Islamic Revolution, expand Iranian influence through Shi'a-aligned proxy groups and allied militant organisations, and exploit regional instability as a strategic tool rather than promote long-term regional stability. States such as Singapore, Malaysia, Spain and Morocco derive their prosperity from secure trade and predictable shipping lanes, not from turning international waterways into geopolitical bargaining chips. Secondly, because they recognise that international straits exist for freedom of navigation, not as opportunities for extortion. Attempting to impose unilateral transit charges or restrict lawful passage through an international waterway would undermine international maritime law, damage their own economies and invite sanctions.
