Daily traffic flow in the Strait of Hormuz has decreased by about 95% since February 28, according to maritime monitoring agencies, due to ships facing attacks or the risk of being attacked around the Persian Gulf.
But Iranian-friendly ships and even oil tankers of this country themselves are still allowed to pass as part of Iran's so-called "selective closure" of this elbow-shaped waterway.
Some people in the US government say that Iran is controlling the Strait of Hormuz. They are operating it as a toll station," said former merchant captain and maritime historian Sal Mercogliano.
There are only about 5-6 large ships, including oil tankers, bulk ships and container ships, moving daily through this narrow strait, according to maritime tracking data and existing satellite images.
On March 15, the Pakistani-owned Karachi oil tanker was the first unsanctioned oil tanker to pass through the Strait of Hormuz while broadcasting its tracking location.
The ship's tracking data shows that the ship passed near the Iranian coast, instead of following the more commonly used transport route, mainly passing through the Oman Sea.
Analysts say this is a clear sign that Iran has established a new transport corridor. Therefore, ships can be fully monitored inside Iranian waters.
According to the maritime data company Lloyd's List, when affirming control of this sea area, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is also imposing a "fee" regime in practice, at least 2 ships have paid a fee to pass through.
Iran is drafting a new law to formalize this process, which is expected to be completed next week, according to Iranian state media.
Iran charges a transit fee of 2 million USD per train trip," senior Iranian Parliament official Alaeddin Boroujerdi told state media.
In the context of economic pressure and global supply continuing to increase due to Iran's effective blockade, Tehran continues to profit from selling its oil.
Iran's crude oil exports are hardly affected by the war, with an estimated average of 1.6 million barrels of oil per day from March 1 to March 23, according to maritime intelligence company TankerTrackers.
More than 20% of ships crossing Hormuz belong to Iran, although this data does not fully reflect the situation because many Iranian ships are moving without broadcasting their locations.
Oil prices have skyrocketed since the war began, along with the US decision to lift sanctions on Iran's oil to help increase global supply, which has also increased cash flow into Tehran's treasuries.
The situation is different for countries dependent on oil and gas imports through the Persian Gulf.
Governments around the world are implementing measures to combat shortages and high gasoline prices, while some countries most heavily affected by the closure of the strait are participating in direct diplomatic efforts with Iran.
But even countries cooperating with Tehran are not guaranteed safety when passing through this important transport route.
