Iran Establishes "Controlled Maritime Zone" and Imposes Tolls in Strait of Hormuz
The Iranian government and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the creation of the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, establishing a 'controlled maritime zone' in the Strait of Hormuz. Under the new regulations, all international vessels must obtain authorization to transit the waterway. Iran has reportedly begun charging transit tolls of up to $2 million per passage, requiring payment in Chinese yuan or bitcoin, significantly escalating regional tensions and threatening global energy security.
Date: May 21, 2026
Location: Iran
Conflict: US-Iran Conflict
Category: naval
Severity: CRITICAL
Source: Democracy Now!