Iran Imposes 'Navigational Services' Fees in Hormuz, US Blocks Iranian Ports

Iran has begun charging fees for 'navigational services' through the Strait of Hormuz, rebranding the tolls as a service fee. The move comes amid international concern over Iran's control over maritime transit through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Tehran says ships are paying for navigation and environmental protection services, while the US imposed a blockade on Iranian ports in mid-April as a response to Iran's actions. Tehran says X. Washington says Y. The Jerusalem Post and The National refer to the fees as a 'toll' repackaged as 'navigational services', while The Hindu and WION describe the fees as a 'service fee' or 'navigation and environmental protection services'. Euronews notes that Iran effectively shuttered the crucial waterway in the early days of the war and that the US responded by imposing its own blockade on Iranian ports.