Hormuz Day 98: IRGC Charging $1M+ Per-Vessel Transit Fees; ~15 Ships Per Day Under IRGC Authorization; Strait Remains in Near-Paralysis — Day 98

On Day 98 of the Strait of Hormuz crisis (June 5, 2026), the strait remains in near-paralysis. The IRGC Navy is approving transit of approximately 15 ships per day — including around 4 oil tankers — through coordinated Iranian checkpoints, a minimal figure compared to the pre-crisis throughput of approximately 95 ships per day and 20 million barrels of oil per day. Iran has been charging transit fees exceeding $1 million per vessel for coordinated passage through IRGC-controlled corridors — effectively monetizing its maritime blockade. The US-guided navigation corridor along Oman's coast remains active, though CENTCOM has redirected approximately 121 commercial ships to alternative routes since the crisis began. Iran's official position remains that the Strait of Hormuz will not fully reopen until the US lifts all war conditions and a permanent peace agreement is concluded. The US naval blockade of Iranian ports — in place from April 13 to May 29 — has been lifted, but the Strait remains under de facto Iranian access control. Brent crude edged up slightly to approximately $95.25/bbl on June 5, reflecting a period of uncertain stabilization following the surge to ~$97/bbl on June 1 and the June 3 escalation. The 2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis has now entered its 98th day.