Strait of Hormuz: Tension is increasing in the Middle East. Iran has now decided to recover $2 million (about Rs 18.8 crore) from some ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. This step has been taken by Iran to show its control over this important route of global shipping.

Iranian MP’s statement

Alaeddin Borujerdi, a member of the Iranian parliament’s national security committee, said the new $2 million toll imposed on some ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz has already been implemented. He said that this step shows Iran’s rights in this waterway after decades.

Borujerdi said, “Taking a $2 million toll from some ships shows Iran’s power. Now that the costs of the war have increased, we feel it is necessary to do this. Taking transit fees from ships passing through Hormuz shows the power and authority of the Islamic Republic.”

Trump had threatened

Boroujerdi’s statements came after Trump’s warning. US President Donald Trump had said last week that if Iran does not open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, the US will attack Iranian power plants and will start with the largest power plant. The Iranian MP also mentioned Trump’s threat and said that Israel’s energy centers are also within Iran’s reach and can be destroyed in a day.

Iran had replied

In response to Trump’s threat, Iran has made it clear that if America attacks its power plants, the Strait of Hormuz will be completely closed immediately. This strait connects the Persian Gulf to the world and its closure could have a major impact on global oil and other exports.

Tehran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, but claims to maintain safe passage for ships from countries other than its enemies. About one-fifth of the global oil supply passes through the strait, but attacks on ships have now halted almost all tanker traffic.