Gate News reports that on March 25, informed sources revealed that Iran is strengthening control over the Strait of Hormuz through a semi-official mechanism, requiring transit ships to submit crew and cargo lists, and charging fees for some high-value vessels. The approval process must be authorized by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran, and fees are often communicated through intermediaries, mainly targeting oil tankers and liquefied gas carriers. Currently, navigation through the strait is restricted, with a significant decrease in the number of passing ships, most of which are related to Iran or its friendly countries. Although Iran officially states that the strait is “still open,” actual traffic has not yet returned to normal. As a result, energy supplies in many Asian countries are under pressure, with India and others experiencing liquefied petroleum gas shortages. Analysts point out that as regional conflicts escalate, the uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor, is increasing.