Iran wants a ‘protection’ toll on the Strait of Hormuz, but a $20B annual haul is a pipe dream

That means the ongoing stalemate will drag on indefinitely or Iran will eventually accept a lesser, but still substantial, financial payout. Either way, the Middle East and, as a result, global energy markets are forever changed. “The strait is never going to go back to its pre-war status quo,” said Gregory Brew, senior analyst for Iran and energy with the Eurasia Group. “There’s going to be a permanently recognized Iranian role in managing the waterway. It’s going to be jointly managed with Oman.” But that doesn’t mean Iran gets everything it wants. Iran’s calls for a 5% or 7% service…