On Wednesday night, the Islamic regime of Iran fired warning shots at four ships attempting to navigate the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime passageway. According to the state media outlet IRIB, the incident occurred at 12:35 am local time when the vessels allegedly entered the area without proper coordination with Iranian security forces. The regime claimed that after issuing warnings, the ships ignored them, leading to the firing of warning shots to compel their return. This incident highlights Iran's ongoing efforts to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz, where it has begun demanding fees for what it describes as 'navigational' and 'environmental services.' However, this move has raised legal concerns as Articles 38 and 44 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea stipulate that bordering nations, including Iran and Oman, cannot impose tolls or impede vessels passing through the Strait. Security analyst Roger Macmillan emphasized that while countries can charge for services, Iran's approach may violate international maritime law.