Iranian official Ebrahim Azizi declared that Iran will decide who passes through the Strait of Hormuz - and who doesn't. "This is our inalienable right," Azizi said. Ships paying transit fees will get priority passage.

British maritime authorities rated the situation "critical" with the highest risk level. Germany is considering sending naval forces for "freedom of navigation." One-fifth of the world's oil passes through Hormuz - and now Iran wants to charge admission.

The chaos and uncertainty in the strait directly impact oil prices. Every Iranian move, every American response, every British assessment - it all ends up in the same place: the price tag at the gas pump.

Iran isn't the first to try controlling sea lanes. But it is the first to do so while in direct conflict with the most powerful navy on Earth. Is Tehran bluffing, or is it genuinely prepared to shut the door on the world's energy lifeline?