Beyond sanctions and asset releases, Iran is pushing for something that would fundamentally change how the strait operates: transit fees of 5-7% on cargoes passing through. The concept would be managed by a proposed Persian Gulf Strait Authority, essentially giving Iran a permanent tollbooth on one of the planet’s most vital trade routes. Six months of disruptionThe conflict traces back to February 28, 2026, when tensions between the US and Iran escalated sharply. Since then, intermittent shipping attacks and warnings have become a regular feature of the Persian Gulf. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the broader Arabian Sea.