TEHRAN, March 19, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Iranian lawmakers have proposed a plan toimpose tolls and taxes on ships passing through the strategic Strait ofHormuz, local media reported on Thursday. "The security of the strait will be established with strength, authority andgrandeur by the Islamic Republic of Iran, and countries must pay a tax inreturn," she said. Iranian forces have attacked multiple vessels, saying they failed to heed"warnings" against transiting the waterway. In recent days, Iran has allowed some vessels from countries it considersfriendly to pass, while warning it would block ships from countries it sayshave joined the "aggression" against it. A message from Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei also said"the lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must definitely be used".

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha March 19, 2026 10:36 UTC