Iran appears to be tightening control over the Strait of Hormuz while reports about ship passage fees grow more specific. Reuters reported this week that Iran has kept a chokehold on the waterway, allowed only limited categories of vessels through, and required ships to coordinate with Iranian authorities before transit. The strait normally handles about 20% of global oil trade, so even partial restrictions matter far beyond the region. At the same time, TradeWinds reported that Iran is taking payments in cryptocurrency and Chinese yuan for passage and that very large crude carriers are expected to pay about $2 million each. That report also said 18 tankers had already paid. However, I could not independently confirm that 18 ship figure through Reuters in the sources reviewed. That distinction matters. The broader picture, that Iran is exerting direct leverage over Hormuz traffic, is well supported by multiple recent Reuters reports. By contrast, the exact scale of the reported payment system still rests mainly on shipping trade reporting and has not yet been matched in the Reuters coverage reviewed here. Limited Transit Resumes as Pressure Builds Reuters said some Japanese, French, and Omani vessels managed to cross the strait after Iran partially reopened passage for ships without U.S. or Israeli links. Some vessels signaled neutral affiliations, while others turned off tracking systems during transit. That points to a selective system rather than a normal reopening of maritime traffic. Reuters also reported that Iran has exempted Iraq from some Hormuz restrictions and separately allowed vessels carrying essential goods to access Iranian ports under specific procedures. Those moves suggest Tehran is using the strait as a controlled pressure point, not shutting it in a uniform way for all shipping. Meanwhile, Reuters Breakingviews said a $2 million toll is financially plausible in a scenario where Iran monetizes passage through Hormuz. Still, that commentary framed the number as a credible revenue model, not as direct confirmation that every affected ship is already paying it. For now, the safest reading is this: Iran’s restrictive regime in Hormuz is confirmed, but the crypto payment details and the reported 18 tanker count still need broader independent confirmation.
