Iran Formalizes Hormuz Toll Authority as Trump Delays Assault and Poll Shows 64% Oppose War
Updated
Updated · Newsweek · May 20
Iran Formalizes Hormuz Toll Authority as Trump Delays Assault and Poll Shows 64% Oppose War
5 articles · Updated · Newsweek · May 20
Iran on Monday moved to entrench control over the Strait of Hormuz by formalizing a new toll-collecting authority, underscoring that U.S. threats have not forced Tehran to retreat.
Trump postponed a planned military operation after appeals from Saudi, UAE and Qatari leaders, while still warning U.S. forces were ready for a full-scale assault if no acceptable deal emerges.
Tehran kept its demands intact — including a U.S. regional withdrawal, war reparations and an end to related hostilities — and senior commanders vowed to answer any escalation in kind.
Analysts said Iran still retains much of its missile capability and nuclear know-how, while shifting U.S. war aims have reinforced Tehran's view that holding firm is its best strategy.
At home, Trump faces weakening support: a New York Times/Siena poll found 64% opposed the war and his approval rating fell to 37%, even as oil-trade disruption risks outlasting the conflict.
Caught between US sanctions and Iranian tolls, how can global shipping navigate the world's most dangerous waterway?
If Iran's toll on a global waterway succeeds, which strategic chokepoint will be monetized next?
With Iran defying international law, is the era of free navigation in the world's most critical waterways ending?
Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Toll Regime: $1/Barrel Fees, Legal Battles, and Global Trade Disruption
Overview
In May 2026, Iran launched a new toll regime in the Strait of Hormuz, establishing the Persian Gulf Strait Authority to oversee and enforce the system. This move immediately created operational challenges and uncertainties for global shipping, as seen when the Gambia-flagged tanker Bili was anchored off Bandar Abbas under increased scrutiny. By asserting greater sovereignty and introducing new enforcement mechanisms, Iran aimed to generate revenue and strengthen its position in regional and international politics. The toll regime marks a bold shift in control over this vital maritime chokepoint, with significant implications for global trade and security.