Iran “Information Operation”; Vessels Paying $150K-$2M for Hormuz Transit
Iran has launched an information operation to frame its protection racket in the Strait of Hormuz as a legitimate maritime security service. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Navy claimed on 22 May that 35 vessels transited the strait in the past 24 hours after obtaining Iranian “permission” and “security”. this “security” is “effectively protection from attacks by Iranian forces, which is the only force that has threatened shipping in the Strait of Hormuz since February 2026.” Bloomberg reports vessels dealing with Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority have sometimes received payment requests of up to $2 million for safe passage; Reuters reports most ships pay around $150,000.
The New York Times reported on 21 May that Iran and Oman have discussed a system to charge vessels fees for maritime “services” rather than tolls for passage Iran likely seeks Omani support to legitimise its effort to extend control over the entire strait; Iran’s current control scheme makes territorial claims that infringe upon Emirati and Omani sovereignty. The NYT also reported that Oman initially rejected a partnership with Iran but Omani officials are now signalling willingness to use Oman’s influence with Gulf neighbours and the United States to support the proposed fee system. “A fee and control system under which Iran and Oman control the strait together would still infringe upon Emirati sovereignty.” The Persian Gulf Strait Authority released a new map on 20 May expanding the claimed management zone from Kuh Mobarak in Iran to southern Fujairah in the UAE in the east, and from Gheshm Island in Iran to Umm al Qaiwain in the UAE in the west — an “explicit claim to control over the territorial waters of the UAE and Oman”.