Fact Check: Is Iran charging ships transit fees to get through Strait of Hormuz amid war with US?

TEHRAN, IRAN: President Donald Trump has issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Iran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on power plants, amid escalating threats, including Iran's recent missile attacks on distant bases as conflict continues.

Amid this, a rumor circulated across social media claiming that Iran has started charging ships transit fees up to $2 million to get through the Strait of Hormuz amid the war with the US. But is there any truth to this? Let us find out below.

Claim: Iran charging ships transit fees to get through the Strait of Hormuz

Several social media posts claimed that Iran has started charging ships transit fees up to $2 million to get through the Strait of Hormuz amid the war with the US.

An X user wrote, "Iran has started charging ships transit fees of up to $2 million to get through the Strait of Hormuz safely."

Similarly, another X account posted, "Iran is moving to charge up to $2 million per tanker to pass through the Strait of Hormuz", while a different post mentioned, "Shipping firm ‘paid Iran $2 million’ to let boats through Strait of Hormuz."

"Iranian MP Alaeddin Boroujerdi claims ships are being charged up to $2M for safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz," an X account further wrote.

Iran has maintained control of the strait since early March 2026 and declared it 'closed' on March 4, attacking over 21 merchant vessels, and allowing only selective passage. This led to a near-total halt in tanker transits, and traffic dropped over 97% from pre-war levels.

Furthermore, the de facto blockade has spiked global oil prices, disrupted more than 20% of world oil flows, and prompted US Navy actions like sinking mine-layers and escort considerations.

Fact Check: True, several reports back the claim

The claim made in viral social media posts is true, as credible reports confirm that Iran is charging selective transit fees to some non-hostile or neutral ships for safe passage amid the ongoing US-Iran war.

Iranian lawmaker Alaeddin Boroujerdi said on state TV that Iran has collected about $2 million in transit fees from certain vessels, and described it as reflecting Iran's 'strength' and covered 'war costs' under a 'new concept of sovereignty.' 

Moreover, as per lawmakers like Somayeh Rafiei, Parliament is considering broader legislation to impose tolls/taxes on users of the strait as 'security' compensation.

However, the strait remains effectively closed or heavily restricted for US, Israel, and allied shipping, while some 'friendly' or neutral vessels may gain passage by paying or negotiating.

Iran has insisted that the strait is 'not closed' but open only to non-enemies, with no universal fee system enforced yet.