Iran tightens control of Hormuz with checkpoints and fees

Iran is consolidating de facto control over the Strait of Hormuz by deploying a layered clearance system for passing vessels, including government-to-government deals, IRGC vetting, and sometimes fees for safe passage, with priority given to ships tied to Tehran’s allies; the Agios Fanourios I case shows delays and an IRGC inspection before authorization to continue, followed by US naval enforcement, and multiple Iranian agencies oversee the vetting through a new Persian Gulf Strait Authority—a norm that challenges international law and adds sanction-related risk while contributing to volatility in a global oil market that relies on Hormuz for roughly 20% of supply.