The Digester
general

Tehran's tollbooth tightens control over Strait of Hormuz

After four weeks of conflict, Iran is diverting most transits into a northern 'safe corridor' it controls, sharply reducing traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and creating delays, safety risks and extra costs for global shipping.

Mar 26th 2026 · Iran

Insights

  • Before the conflict about 138 ships transited the strait each day and in March roughly that many passed in the entire month.
  • More than 20 ships have been attacked in the region during the conflict, causing several deaths including two crew on the tanker Skylight.
  • Iran told the IMO it will allow only vessels it deems non-hostile to use a northerly corridor between Larak island and the mainland.
  • Analysts call the lane Tehran's tollbooth because it allows Iranian authorities to visually verify vessels and control passage.
  • At least two vessels reportedly paid for passage, with one payment said to be about 2 million US dollars and transactions made in Chinese yuan.
  • About 1,000 vessels are estimated to be anchored or laid up in the Gulf and the IMO warns around 20,000 seafarers are stranded.
  • No vessels have been reported damaged since 22 March but analysts expect months before normal shipping patterns resume, while more than 30 countries have pledged efforts to safeguard the waterway.

Sources