Iran Allows Limited Vessel Transit through Strait of Hormuz amid Tight Maritime Controls

The controlled passage comes amid continued restrictions on general maritime traffic through the vital waterway, with Iranian authorities maintaining strict oversight over vessel movements. Officials are reportedly vetting individual transit requests and selectively approving ships for passage through the chokepoint, one of the world’s most important energy and trade corridors.     Amid growing speculation that Iran may be imposing transit charges on vessels using the Strait, Tehran on Monday denied reports that it is collecting “tolls” from ships passing through the waterway.

Speaking during a weekly press briefing, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that Iran is “not seeking to collect tolls,” while noting that services related to maritime safety, environmental protection and navigation management could involve associated service fees.      “We are not seeking to collect tolls; the actions of Iran and Oman to develop a protocol for the safe passage of ships are a responsible step,” Baghaei said, according to Iranian state media.     He added that Iran and Oman are jointly working on a framework aimed at ensuring safe maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz, while also addressing regional security concerns.      Baghaei stressed that both countries support the use of the strategic waterway for “free trade and safe passage,” but argued that heightened monitoring measures are necessary due to what Tehran describes as previous misuse of the Strait for military operations against Iran.      The remarks come as Tehran moves to formalise and institutionalise its oversight of the critical maritime corridor. Earlier this month, Iran launched the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), a new regulatory mechanism aimed at managing and monitoring operations related to the Strait of Hormuz.     The announcement was amplified by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, which confirmed that the official social media account of the PGSA is now operational and will provide updates on Hormuz Strait operations and developments.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically significant maritime chokepoints, handling a substantial share of global oil and LNG trade, making any disruption or regulatory tightening in the region closely watched by the international shipping and energy sectors.