Iran's $20 billion Strait of Hormuz toll demand unlikely to materialize, say analysts

Summary

Iran's demand for a 5% to 7% service fee on oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which could generate up to $25 billion annually, is deemed an unrealistic "mafia-style protection racket" by analysts. While the strait's status quo is changing, international law and opposition from the U.S. and Gulf neighbors make such high tolls unlikely, suggesting a prolonged stalemate or a lesser, unpublicized financial arrangement.