Iran-US-Israel War Latest News: Iran introduced new shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz after identifying serious safety risks caused by sea mines laid during recent military tensions in the region. Officials said the earlier main navigation channels could pose dangers to commercial vessels, forcing authorities to redesign safer entry and exit paths before allowing ships to resume movement through the strategic waterway.
According to several media reports, Iran is planning to charge $1 per barrel on oil transported through the strait, a policy that could significantly increase shipping costs for global energy companies. For large oil tankers carrying nearly 2 million barrels, the total toll could reach $2 million per transit, marking a major financial shift in global maritime trade.
Iran-US-Israel War Latest News: Why Iran Suggests Another Shipping Route for Transit in the Strait of Hormuz?
Soon after the ceasefire was expected to restore shipping activity, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued an official order directing all commercial ships to use two newly designated corridors near Larak Island. Under the new arrangement, incoming ships must pass through routes north of Larak Island, while outgoing ships are required to use lanes south of the island. Authorities also instructed that every vessel must coordinate with the IRGC Navy before entering the strait, and these rules will remain in force until further notice.
In its official communication, the force stressed, “To comply with the principles of maritime safety and to avoid the risk of collision with sea mines, all ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz must use alternative routes.”
Authorities also issued detailed navigation instructions and a map for alternative entry and exit points. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the narrowest yet most critical waterways in the world, with some sections measuring only 33 to 38 kilometres wide, while the earlier main shipping corridor was barely 3 kilometres wide.
Iran-US-Israel War Latest News: Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters to Global Energy Markets?
The Strait of Hormuz handles nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, making it one of the most sensitive energy chokepoints on Earth. Any disruption or new restrictions in the region can immediately influence global fuel prices and supply chains.
The waterway had remained largely blocked since early March due to escalating tensions, causing a sharp rise in global oil prices. Even after agreeing to reopen the passage under a two-week ceasefire, Iran has continued to limit ship movements, allowing only a small number of vessels to pass each day.
Iran-US-Israel War Latest News: Do Ships Have to Pay $1 for per Barrel to Pass Hormuz?
Despite reopening the strait, Iran continues to impose strict restrictions on maritime traffic on the Strait of Hormuz. Officials have reportedly capped daily ship movements to around ten vessels, a dramatic drop from pre-conflict levels, when more than 100 ships crossed the waterway each day.
Shipping companies must also comply with new financial rules. Reports indicate that Tehran is demanding payments in cryptocurrency or Chinese yuan, bypassing traditional dollar-based transactions. This move allows Iran to avoid sanctions while maintaining tight control over maritime trade routes.
Maritime analysts warn that these financial demands could complicate ongoing negotiations aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire between Iran and Western nations.
Iran-US-Israel War Latest News: Global Concerns Rise Over Legal and Economic Implications
International maritime experts have raised legal concerns over Iran’s toll proposal. Under global maritime law, ships generally enjoy the right of free navigation through international waterways. Any attempt to charge mandatory transit fees could trigger diplomatic disputes and economic consequences.
Economists also warn that even small toll increases, such as $1 per barrel, could raise transportation costs worldwide, eventually impacting fuel prices and inflation in many countries dependent on imported oil.
Iran-US-Israel War Latest News: Uncertain Future as Talks Continue
Iran’s latest actions highlight its growing leverage over one of the world’s most critical shipping corridors. While the temporary ceasefire has allowed limited vessel movement, uncertainty continues to dominate the region.
If the proposed toll system becomes permanent, analysts believe it could reshape global energy trade patterns, increase shipping insurance costs, and intensify geopolitical tensions across the Middle East.
For now, the Strait of Hormuz remains open, but tightly controlled, leaving global markets watching every new development closely.
