The Digester
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Iran seeks toll on Strait of Hormuz as cease-fire demands escalate

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has issued sweeping cease-fire conditions to the U.S., including a proposal to charge ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could reshape global energy flows and bargaining leverage.

Mar 25th 2026 · Iran

Insights

  • IRGC sent cease-fire conditions to the U.S. via regional intermediaries that include closure of U.S. bases, reparations, lifting of sanctions, and preservation of missile programs.
  • Iran demands a new legal order to collect transit fees on the Strait of Hormuz modeled on Suez Canal tolls.
  • Iran has reportedly begun charging about $2 million per ship to cross the Strait and may require payment in yuan, threatening the petrodollar system.
  • Vessel traffic fell to two on March 24 from a normal 150 to 160, and roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply transits the Strait, giving Tehran strategic leverage.
  • The U.S. called the demands unrealistic while Iranian state outlets and the regime framed the list as a negotiation baseline and proof of strength.

Sources