US charges a Hezbollah man with running a op to attack and cause violence in the US., Canada and Europe….
Iran is working to formalise charging a ‘protection toll’ for ships safe passage thru the Strait of Hormuz , circumventing Trump authority in the strait….
Iran is also looking to establish ways around the Trump ‘blockade’….
ISW….Iran Update Special Report, May 16, 2026
- The Iranian regime is introducing a formalized toll system under the guise of maritime insurance policies and continuing to deploy incentives and threats to vessels in the Persian Gulf as part of their efforts to normalize and solidify Iranian control over the strait. This system appears designed to be more palatable than an outright “toll” by framing it as a “maritime insurance policy.” The insurance presumably insures the vessel against an Iranian attack.
- Iran is trying to circumvent the US naval blockade by expanding alternative overland and rail trade routes through the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Pakistan, and Iraq. These alternative trade routes are unlikely to replace the scale and efficiency of maritime trade through the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, however.
- Israel and Lebanon have agreed to continue dialogue and extend the ceasefire but appear to remain at odds over key issues surrounding Hezbollah and its status. Israeli and Lebanese officials have long disagreed on the implementation mechanism, timing, and other political details related to Hezbollah’s disarmament and Israel’s military presence in southern Lebanon.
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