Iran wants a ‘protection’ toll on the Strait of Hormuz, but a $20B annual haul is a pipe dream

Iran’s hardline demand for a Strait of Hormuz fee system would generate close to $20 billion a year, but such astronomical tolls won’t be accepted by the U. or Iran’s Gulf neighbors, geopolitical and energy analysts say. That means the ongoing stalemate will drag on indefinitely or Iran will eventually accept a lesser, but still substantial, financial payout. Either way, the Middle East and, as a result, global energy markets are forever changed. “The strait is never going to go back to its pre-war status quo,” said Gregory Brew, senior analyst for Iran and energy with the Eurasia Group.