Iran's parliament has moved forward with a proposed toll scheme for the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to tighten Tehran's grip over the critical waterway. The country's top security official has cautioned that if economic pressure from the US persists, oil exports could be completely halted. However, President Masoud Pezeshkian has struck a different tone, arguing that Iran must find a way out of the current "neither war nor peace" predicament.
On Sunday, the national security and foreign policy committee of Iran's parliament approved a draft bill that would levy service fees on foreign vessels authorized to transit the Strait of Hormuz. The move comes amid escalating American economic sanctions against Tehran and growing uncertainty over regional energy transport, reflecting Iran's push to assert greater influence over this vital shipping lane.
According to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), the committee endorsed Article 3 of the "Strategic Action Plan for Ensuring the Security and Development of the Strait of Hormuz." This provision stipulates that ships permitted to pass through the strait must pay for services provided by Iran. Committee spokesman Hassan Qashqavi stated that the charges would cover maritime services, environmental protection, fuel supply in emergency situations, insurance, security guarantees, and other related services. Fees would be collected from vessels of countries approved to transit, payable in Iranian rials or other currencies designated by Tehran.
Qashqavi noted that the draft also takes into account the rights of littoral states bordering the strait. Iranian officials argue that the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz operate under special rules and conditions, pointing out that Oman issued a political statement upon accepting the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, affirming that relevant provisions should not undermine national sovereignty and security.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical energy arteries, with a significant portion of Middle Eastern crude oil and natural gas shipments depending on this passage. The toll proposal comes as Washington prepares to expand economic sanctions on Iran. Former US President Donald Trump had earlier announced plans to launch what he called "Operation Economic D-Day" — a fresh wave of sanctions and financial pressure targeting Tehran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to unveil the detailed sanction package on August 24.
Iranian authorities view American actions as an "economic war." Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, has said Washington's maximum economic pressure policy will not succeed, warning neighboring countries against participating in US actions against Iran. Tehran has also stated that contingency plans are in place to counter various hostile moves.
Rezaei said Iran will not bow to American economic pressure, insisting the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until Washington fulfills its commitments. In an English-language post on X, he warned that if the economic war continues, "not a single drop of oil will be exported through the Strait of Hormuz or anywhere else in the Persian Gulf." He added that any nation supporting or joining US economic actions against Iran would be considered as committing an act of war. In an interview with Iranian state media, Rezaei further cautioned that if Iran's neighbors cooperate with the US, Tehran would target their interests.
Despite the fiery rhetoric, Iran has not entirely shut down shipping through the strait. Reuters reported that Tehran has allowed some Iraqi oil tankers to pass through, though overall vessel traffic remains low. MarineTraffic data showed only a handful of tankers and cargo ships transiting the waterway over the past 24 hours.
The economic fallout is also being felt within the United States. American gasoline prices remain elevated, and Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari noted that achieving the US inflation target could become more difficult until the conflict is resolved.
Beyond the hardline posturing, divisions have emerged within Iran's leadership over whether to continue pursuing diplomatic solutions. President Pezeshkian stated that Iran cannot remain in a state of war indefinitely and needs to find a way out of the current "neither war nor peace" situation. In recent public remarks in Tehran, he defended the memorandum of understanding reached with the US in June, despite reported reservations from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Pezeshkian maintained that all parties involved in the negotiations viewed the agreement as the best option. "By implementing this memorandum, we can resolve issues with logic and dignity," he said, as quoted by IRNA.
The agreement collapsed last month. Pezeshkian has repeatedly warned that ongoing conflict with the US is increasing economic and social pressure on Iran, putting him at odds with hardliners domestically. He said the government is working to control inflation, improve living standards, and safeguard employment, adding: "We must stand with the people. If we cannot serve them or convince them that we belong to the same nation, we will fail even with the strongest military power."
Regional diplomatic activity is also picking up. Iranian state media reported that Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir plans to visit Tehran on Monday for talks with senior Iranian officials.
The debate within Iran over how to handle relations with the US is widening. Some argue that Tehran should renegotiate from a stronger position before economic pressure intensifies further, while hardliners in the security establishment remain opposed to engaging in dialogue with Washington. How Iran navigates the balance between military posturing, economic hardship, and diplomatic engagement will be the key to shaping the current crisis.