Iran restates Hormuz toll priority

A senior Iranian official has reiterated to CNN that the country will prioritize passage through the Strait of Hormuz for ships that pay tolls. This restates a policy announced earlier, which conditions safe transit on payment, effectively creating a de facto toll system for the critical global oil chokepoint. The statement comes amid heightened tensions and a U.S. naval blockade in the region. The Iranian position frames the toll as a legitimate measure, while the U.S. and allies view it as an unlawful restriction on freedom of navigation.