Iran Eyes $64 Billion Annually from Strait of Hormuz Fees Amid Ceasefire Reports

Tehran - Ekhbary News Agency

Iran Prepares for Massive Revenue from Strait of Hormuz Tolls

Hassan Abedini, head of the Political Information Department at Iran's Broadcasting Organization, revealed projections that Iran could earn up to $64 billion annually by imposing fees on oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Abedini stated that the strait would become "a corridor that will be intelligently managed by Iran," indicating global approval for this approach.

He further elaborated that if 32,000 ships passed through the strait last year, and a fee of $2 million was collected from each, the total projected revenue would reach approximately $64 billion. This forecast comes amid circulating reports of an agreement between Iran and the United States for a ceasefire and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Agreement Details and Strait Opening

Abedini's statements followed U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of Iran's agreement to fully and immediately open the Strait of Hormuz. Later, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran would open the strait to ship traffic for two weeks, with passage possible through coordination with the Iranian armed forces and adherence to technical restrictions. These developments are supported by the Supreme National Security Council of Iran's declaration of a "historic victory" and a call for national unity, as well as statements from the head of Iran's National Security Committee regarding America's acceptance of Iran's 10-point conditions.

International Reactions and Anticipation

The Turkish Foreign Ministry welcomed the announcement of a temporary ceasefire, expressing hope for all parties to adhere to the agreement. British Ambassador to Egypt, Mark Bryson Richardson, also praised the diplomatic efforts of Cairo and Islamabad in halting the recent military escalation between the United States and Iran.

Conversely, Kirill Dmitriev, the Russian President's Special Representative for Economic Cooperation with Foreign Countries, believes that global energy markets will require months to recover, even if the Strait of Hormuz remains open. In a related development, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to travel to the Gulf region for talks with regional leaders aimed at ensuring the permanent opening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Security Developments in the Region

In a separate incident, the Bahraini Ministry of Interior reported damage to several homes in the Sitra region following the fall of debris resulting from the interception and destruction of an Iranian drone. Meanwhile, Hezbollah warned of "enemy treachery" after the truce and urged residents of the south and suburbs to delay their return. The Israeli army announced a ceasefire with Iran while continuing its war against "Hezbollah" in southern Lebanon, with Reuters sources indicating that "Hezbollah" had halted firing into northern Israel.

These developments are occurring amidst reports that China contributed to pushing Iran towards negotiations, according to U.S. President Trump. These news items coincide with the reappearance of billboards in Tel Aviv urging Trump to act, hours before the expiration of his final ultimatum to Iran.

Economic and Strategic Implications

The prospect of imposing fees on the Strait of Hormuz raises questions about its impact on global oil prices and energy market stability. The White House, on behalf of the U.S., suggests that Trump has "managed to open Hormuz" and that his ability to make peace should not be underestimated. Meanwhile, reports persist of Russian strikes on energy infrastructure and ports linked to the Ukrainian military, indicating ongoing tensions in other regions.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical waterways, through which a significant portion of global oil supplies passes. Any change in its transit mechanism or the imposition of new fees would have far-reaching economic and geopolitical consequences. Attention remains focused on how the final details of the agreement will be resolved and its impact on regional and international stability.