Iran's parliament has proposed imposing tolls and taxes on ships passing through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, according to reports from March 19, 2026. Iranian lawmaker Somayeh Rafiei stated that "the security in the strait will be established with strength, authority and grandeur by the Islamic Republic of Iran, and countries must pay taxes in return," as reported by the regime-loyal news agency Isna. Rafiei added that parliament has proposed a plan under which countries would pay both taxes and toll fees to pass through the waterway.
In response, several European countries together with Japan issued a joint statement condemning attacks from Iran and expressing willingness to contribute to initiatives guaranteeing safe passage through the strait.
security in the strait will be established with strength, authority, and grandeur by the Islamic Republic of Iran, and countries must pay taxes in return
stabilize energy markets