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The Iranian Embassy in India on Monday rebuffed a claim made by an Iranian lawmaker, who said that the Islamic Republic is charging $2 million to let vessels pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been shut since the war began in late February
The Iranian Embassy in India on Monday (local time) dismissed claims circulating online that Tehran is now demanding a $2 million payment in exchange for allowing vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that was shut by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Addressing the claim in a post on X, the embassy clarified that reports about Iran collecting $2 million from ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz are baseless. It stressed that such remarks reflect individual opinions and do not represent the official stance of the Islamic Republic.
The clarification came after Alaeddin Boroujerdi, an Iranian lawmaker and a member of the parliament’s national security committee, claimed in an interview with Iran International that Tehran has begun charging as much as $2 million from certain vessels to allow passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian lawmaker on charging vessels on Hormuz Strait
Describing the move as part of a broader shift in strategy to assert control over the key maritime corridor, Boroujerdi said the policy had already been implemented. He characterised it as the beginning of what he called a new sovereign framework governing the Strait of Hormuz after decades.
Justifying the idea, the lawmaker said that war comes with costs, and it is therefore reasonable for Iran to impose transit charges on vessels using the route. He added that such a step underlines Tehran’s authority over the waterway.
Strait of Hormuz blockade
These developments come amid heightened tensions in the region, with the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed following US and Israeli strikes in late February targeting Iran’s military and naval infrastructure. The attacks resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with several senior officials.
The shutdown of the critical passage, through which nearly one-fifth of global oil supply is transported, has sent shockwaves through energy markets and unsettled traders worldwide. In an attempt to calm concerns over supply disruptions, the International Energy Agency (IEA) stepped in. On 11 March, the agency announced it would release 400 million barrels of oil from its emergency reserves.
Donald Trump’s warning to Iran
Amid the escalating situation, US President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Tehran last week, threatening to destroy its power infrastructure if the Strait was not reopened by March 23. Writing on Truth Social, Trump said that if Iran failed to fully reopen the waterway without threats within 48 hours, the United States would begin targeting and eliminating its major power plants, starting with the largest.
Iran hits back
Tehran responded sharply to Trump’s warning, stating that any attack on its power infrastructure would be met with a proportional response. Iranian officials warned that they would target energy facilities, IT networks, and desalination plants linked to the US and Israel across the region.
Following the US warning, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also issued a direct message, saying that threats and intimidation only strengthen national unity within the Islamic Republic. In a post on X, he said that attempts to erase Iran reflect desperation in the face of a resilient and historically rooted nation.
He further stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all countries, except those that violate Iranian territory. According to a Hindustan Times report, while some vessels, including ships heading toward India, have managed to pass through the narrow channel, many others remain stranded as tensions continue and Iran presses its response to the US-Israel strikes.
About the Author
Swati Gandhi
Swati Gandhi is a digital journalist with over four years of experience, specialising in international and geopolitical issues. Her work focuses on foreign policy, global power shifts, and the political and economic forces shaping international relations, with a particular emphasis on how global developments affect India. She approaches journalism with a strong belief in context-driven reporting, aiming to break down complex global events into clear, accessible narratives for a wide readership.<br><br> Previously, Swati has worked at Business Standard, where she covered a range of beats including national affairs, politics, and business. This diverse newsroom experience helped her build a strong grounding in reporting, while also strengthening her ability to work across both breaking news and in-depth explanatory stories. Covering multiple beats early in her career has helped her be informed about her current work, allowing her to connect domestic developments with wider international trends.<br><br> At Live Mint, she focuses on international and geopolitical issues through a business and economic lens, examining how global political developments, foreign policy decisions, and power shifts impact markets, industries, and India’s strategic and economic interests.<br><br> She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English (Honours) from the University of Delhi and a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. Her academic training has shaped her emphasis on precision, analytical rigour, and clarity in writing. Her interests include global political economy and the intersection of geopolitics with business.<br><br> Outside work, Swati focuses on exploring her passion and love for food. From fancy cafes to street spots, Swati explores food like a true foodie.
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