(Tehran, 5th) Iran’s Ambassador to China, Fazli, stated that Iran will be imposing new fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, while guaranteeing that “friendly” countries will receive special treatment.
According to a preliminary agreement reached between Iran and the United States to end hostilities, merchant vessels can transit the Strait of Hormuz for free within 60 days; arrangements after the 60-day period remain unclear.
Citing various foreign media reports, Fazli said at the World Peace Forum held in Beijing on the 4th that Iran is “coordinating and cooperating” with Oman to develop new regulations for the Strait of Hormuz.
Fazli said that since part of the Strait of Hormuz falls within Iranian territorial waters, “we will inevitably charge service fees.” He emphasized, however, that these are not “transit fees.”
He said the relevant charges will be in compliance with international maritime law, including services such as ensuring navigational safety, ship guidance, and environmental protection, noting that such fees “are also levied in other waters or channels.”
He added: “We will certainly give special treatment to friendly countries that stood by us in difficult times.”