Iran has rejected claims that it is charging vessels up to $2 million to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, calling such reports “unfounded” amid heightened scrutiny of maritime activity in the region.
In a statement posted on X, the Embassy of Iran in India said that assertions about Tehran collecting transit fees do not reflect the country’s official policy. “Such claims are unfounded,” the embassy said, adding that remarks circulating on the issue represent “personal views” and not the position of the Islamic Republic.
The clarification follows media reports suggesting that Iran had imposed charges of up to $2 million, or roughly Rs 18.8 crore, on select merchant vessels using the key global oil transit route.
Those claims were attributed to Alaeddin Boroujerdi, a member of Iran’s parliamentary national security committee, who was quoted by state broadcaster IRIB as saying the move would reflect Iran’s authority over the waterway.
Iran’s response comes at a time of increased global attention on the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of the world’s oil supply passes, making it a critical chokepoint for international energy markets.
Boroujerdi had also warned that Israel’s energy infrastructure could be targeted, underscoring rising regional tensions. However, Iranian officials have now distanced the government from the reported transit fee claims.