• Iran confirmed the receipt of first toll revenue from ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz as only limited vessels are allowed passage amid ongoing conflict restrictions
• Tehran linked the reopening of the strait to the lifting of the United States naval blockade
• The United States-Iran negotiations continue, with no immediate resolution in sight

Iran has confirmed receiving its first proceeds from tolls imposed on vessels navigating the strategic Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant escalation in its economic response to the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel.

A senior Iranian lawmaker, Hamidreza Hajibabaei, disclosed on Thursday, April 23, that “the first revenue received from the Strait of Hormuz tolls was deposited into the Central Bank account,” according to state-affiliated media.

However, authorities did not specify the amount or the number of ships affected.

The development comes amid heightened tensions following the outbreak of war on February 28, which has transformed one of the world’s most critical energy corridors into a geopolitical flashpoint.

The strait, which typically facilitates about 20% of global oil and gas shipments, is now operating under severe restrictions, with Iran allowing only a limited number of approved vessels to pass.

Iran’s move to monetize access to the strait underscores its strategy to counter what it describes as a U.S.-led naval blockade of its ports.

Tehran has made it clear that maritime operations will not return to normal conditions anytime soon.

“A complete ceasefire only has meaning if it is not violated through a naval blockade,” said Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

“Reopening the Strait of Hormuz is not possible amid a blatant violation of the ceasefire.”

While active military strikes have largely subsided under a fragile truce, the economic standoff persists.

Iran has vowed to maintain restrictions on the waterway unless its demands are met, signaling a prolonged disruption to global trade flows.

The ripple effects of the crisis are already being felt worldwide. Oil prices opened higher, airlines have begun cancelling fuel-intensive routes, and economic indicators point to broader strain.

Notably, the eurozone’s business activity has contracted for the first time in over a year, according to recent PMI data.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes.

The United States President, Donald Trump, has urged Iran to reopen the strait but indicated there is “no time pressure” to finalise a resolution.

According to reports, negotiations are ongoing, with the U.S. demanding that Iran surrender its enriched uranium as part of any deal.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that Washington is still awaiting a unified response from Tehran, adding that the administration’s “red lines” remain unchanged.

Amid growing concerns over maritime security, France and the United Kingdom are leading discussions for a multinational naval mission to safeguard navigation through the strait.

Military planners from over 30 countries have reportedly joined the talks, although deployment timelines remain uncertain.

With peace negotiations hanging in the balance and both sides leveraging economic pressure, the future of the Strait of Hormuz, and by extension, global energy stability, remains uncertain.

Strait of Hormuz closed again as Iran responds to continued US naval blockade

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Iran’s military announced on Saturday, April 18, that it had once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, only hours after reopening the crucial shipping route.

The move came while more than a dozen commercial vessels were already moving through the waterway, creating fresh uncertainty around one of the world’s most important oil and gas transit routes.

The back-and-forth over the Strait of Hormuz has also raised questions about the United States President Donald Trump’s recent optimism that a peace agreement between Iran, the United States and Israel was close.