The massive toll has already been implemented, marking the new approach to controlling the critical waterway, Iranian lawmaker Alaeddin Boroujerdi, who is a member of the parliament's national security committee, told state broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), according to an Iran International report.
According to Boroujerdi, the move reflects what he called a new "sovereign regime" in the strait after decades. "Collecting $2 million as transit fees from some vessels crossing the strait reflects Iran's strength," Boroujerdi said.
Now, because war has costs, naturally we must do this and take transit fees from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz," he added, claiming the move shows the Islamic Republic's "authority".
Boroujerdi's remarks followed US President Donald Trump's warning last week that the United States could target Iran's power infrastructure if the strait is not reopened within 48 hours. Trump has said if Iran didn't open the strait, the US would destroy its "various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!"
The Iranian lawmaker also referred to Trump's threat, saying Israel's energy infrastructure would be within Iran's reach and could be destroyed "within a day".
