Geopolitical tensions escalate, and new rules for the world’s energy chokepoints: pay to pass, and take sides first. Commercial ships are laughing, while some forces are crying. Details are still to be revealed, but the signals are already strong.

ME News message: On May 16 (UTC+8), the head of Iran’s Parliament National Security Committee announced that Iran has prepared a set of mechanisms to manage traffic through the Strait of Hormuz along designated routes. Relevant details will be released soon. During this process, only commercial vessels and parties cooperating with Iran can benefit from it. Necessary fees will be collected to pay for the professional services provided under this mechanism. The channel will remain closed to the operators of the “Freedom Plan.” (Source: PANews)