Iran creates an authority to collect tolls in the Strait of Hormuz and threatens tariffs on submarine cables

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Geopolitics and Supply Chain

The Iranian government has established a new agency to manage and collect fees for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The move, which aims to consolidate its control over one of the world's key trade routes, introduces a new layer of uncertainty and increased costs to international logistics.

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The government Irán has announced in May 2026 the creation of a transit authority for the Estrecho de OrmuzThe aim is to manage, regulate, and collect fees from commercial vessels transiting this vital waterway. The measure, reported by international media outlets such as Reuters o Euronews.comThis represents an escalation in the consolidation of Iranian control over a critical point for global energy and goods trade, generating considerable concern in the Spanish logistics and export sector.

This new entity not only formalizes the capacity to Irán to impose what in practice will function as a Tollbut it is also part of a broader strategy that includes establishing checkpoints on strategic islands and negotiating diplomatic agreements in the region. The announcement comes at a time of stagnation in peace talks, which is interpreted by analysts consulted by Empresa Exterior as a unilateral move to strengthen its geopolitical position.

From physical to digital threat: control of submarine cables

Beyond maritime transit, the new Iranian strategy includes a digital dimension that could have disruptive consequences. According to reports published by The Guardian y CNN, Irán I would be evaluating the possibility of charging fees for the use of undersea internet cables that run along the seabed of the strait. This unprecedented measure could directly affect the global flow of data, impacting finance, communications, and digital business worldwide.

«Controlling submarine cables means controlling one of the main highways of the 21st-century economy. Imposing a tax would be a way to monetize geostrategic power beyond oil.“This adds a significant layer of risk for companies that rely on digital connectivity for their operations,” international security experts point out. Europa y Asia.

New Iranian Control Measures in the Strait of Hormuz (May 2026)

Control Type	Measurement Description	Potential Impact for Businesses
Administrative/Economic	Creation of a transit authority to collect 'fees' or 'tolls' from commercial vessels.	Direct increase in freight and marine insurance costs.
Physicist/Military	Establishment of checkpoints on strategic islands in the strait.	Possible delays in transit, inspections and increased geopolitical risk.
Digital/Strategic	Plans to impose fees for the use of submarine data cables.	Increased connectivity costs, risk of data flow interruption.

Direct implications for Spanish foreign trade

For Spanish companies with interests in Oriente Medio y AsiaThe consequences of this new Iranian policy are direct and worrying. Logistics sector analysts consulted by Empresa Exterior Several risk areas stand out:

• Increased logistics costs: The new toll will inevitably be passed on to the final cost of maritime freight. This will increase the cost of imports of both raw materials and manufactured goods. Asia such as exports of Spanish products to the region.
• Increase in insurance premiums: The increased uncertainty and perceived risk will lead insurers to raise premiums for cargo and export credit insurance for shipments passing through the area.
• Uncertainty in the supply chain: The possibility of delays, inspections, or disputes in the strait introduces a volatility factor that forces companies to review their supply chains and consider increasing their safety stock levels.
• Need to review Incoterms: Export departments should carefully analyze the contractual terms, especially regarding the transfer of risks and costs (Incoterms), to protect themselves against possible cost overruns or unforeseen delays.

Key points and frequently asked questions about Iran's new control of the Strait of Hormuz

How does this measure directly affect Spanish exporting companies?

Primarily through a increased operating costsShipping costs and insurance will be higher. Furthermore, it introduces a risk factor into logistics planning, potentially causing delays that affect delivery commitments and the competitiveness of Spanish products in destination markets.

Which Spanish sectors are most vulnerable to this new situation in Hormuz?

The energy sector, highly dependent on gas and oil imports transiting through the strait, is the most exposed. However, the impact is widespread and affects any industry that imports components or exports products to Asia, such as the sector of automobiles, technology, textiles, or consumer goodsThe threat to submarine cables also poses a risk to the technology and financial sectors.

Are there logistical alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz for trade with Asia?

Yes, the main alternative is the route that goes around África the Cabo de Buena EsperanzaHowever, this option is significantly longer and more expensiveadding between 10 and 15 days to transit time and considerably increasing fuel consumption, making it an uncompetitive alternative for most goods.