Iran has rejected allegations that it is charging vessels millions of dollars to transit the Strait of Hormuz, describing the claims as baseless amid heightened tensions following US and Israeli military actions.A statement issued by Iran’s embassy in New Delhi said assertions that Tehran is collecting as much as $2 million per ship were “unfounded” and did not reflect official policy. The embassy added that such claims stem from personal opinions rather than any verified government position, seeking to counter speculation circulating across diplomatic and shipping circles.
The denial comes at a time when the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, has seen disruptions linked to the broader escalation in West Asia. The narrow passage, which connects the Persian Gulf to global markets, handles a significant share of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Any suggestion of additional costs or restrictions has triggered concern among shipping companies, insurers and energy traders.
Iran has not formally confirmed a closure of the waterway, though it has signalled its ability to control access in response to what it describes as hostile actions by the United States and Israel. Military manoeuvres and warnings issued by Iranian officials have reinforced perceptions of increased risk in the area, even as commercial traffic continues to move under heightened security arrangements.
Shipping industry participants have reacted cautiously. Some operators have rerouted vessels or delayed voyages, citing elevated insurance premiums and uncertainty over safety conditions. Maritime security firms have reported increased monitoring activity in the region, while global insurers have reassessed risk classifications for vessels passing through the Gulf.
Analysts note that any attempt to impose transit charges of the scale suggested would represent a major departure from established maritime norms. International law, including provisions governing straits used for international navigation, does not support unilateral tolling of this kind. Experts argue that enforcement would also be difficult without sustained control over shipping lanes, which remain under constant surveillance by multiple naval forces.
Iran’s response appears aimed at calming markets already sensitive to geopolitical developments. Oil prices have shown volatility, reflecting fears that disruption to the Strait of Hormuz could constrain supply. Even limited interruptions have historically had an outsized impact on energy markets due to the volume of crude and gas shipments that pass through the corridor each day.
Diplomatic tensions have intensified following a series of military exchanges involving US and Israeli forces and Iran-aligned groups in the region. Tehran has accused Washington and Tel Aviv of escalating the conflict, while both countries have defended their actions as necessary for regional security. The resulting standoff has raised concerns about the potential for wider confrontation, with maritime routes seen as a possible flashpoint.
Officials in several countries have urged restraint, warning that any sustained disruption to shipping lanes would have global economic consequences. Asian economies, heavily dependent on Gulf energy supplies, are particularly exposed to instability in the Strait. European importers have also been monitoring developments closely, given the role of Middle Eastern exports in balancing energy markets.
Within the shipping sector, contingency planning has accelerated. Companies are evaluating alternative routes, although options remain limited due to geography. The Strait of Hormuz provides the most direct and cost-effective passage for Gulf exports, and bypassing it would involve significantly longer journeys and higher fuel costs.
Energy companies have likewise been assessing supply chain resilience. Strategic reserves and diversified sourcing have become central to risk management strategies, though these measures offer only partial mitigation in the event of prolonged disruption. Market participants are also factoring in the potential for further military escalation, which could heighten uncertainty across the region.
Iran’s leadership has consistently emphasised that its actions are defensive and tied to what it characterises as external aggression. At the same time, it has sought to avoid measures that could trigger a broader economic backlash or alienate key trading partners. The denial of toll collection claims fits within this broader messaging, aimed at maintaining a degree of stability in international perceptions.