Iran, Houthis threaten shipping lanes amid regional tensions

Jalali told Russian newspaper Izvestia that Iran and Oman provide services related to the strait, and fees would be charged for these. Iran has previously suggested that a permanent peace deal could enable it to levy fees based on ship type, cargo, and prevailing conditions. In late May, the U.S. cautioned Oman against involvement in imposing tolls, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reporting that Oman's ambassador assured him no such plans were underway.

Meanwhile, Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis announced a ban on Israeli maritime navigation in the Red Sea, warning of further escalation. This move adds to challenges for global shipping, as Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping during the Gaza war have already led major companies to divert around Africa. The impact of sustained threats to Red Sea shipping could be greater now, given the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has constrained most Gulf energy production.

Japan, which relied heavily on Middle Eastern oil imports before the recent conflict, noted it did not pay a fee when a Japan-linked tanker transited the strait in May.