Arabic version: إيران تخطط لرسوم جديدة لعبور هرمز، وتقدم خصومات للحلفاء

Iran’s ambassador to China says ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz would be charged new fees but added that China and other “friendly” countries would be granted “special considerations.” This announcement comes in the wake of a recent agreement between Iran and the United States aimed at reducing hostilities.

According to Al Jazeera, the deal allows commercial vessels to pass through the vital waterway free of charge for a period of 60 days. However, the future of transit fees beyond this timeframe remains uncertain, as the U.S. has indicated that Iran will not be permitted to charge tolls or fees for vessels transiting the strait under any final agreement.

Ambassador Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli made these remarks during the World Peace Forum in Beijing, emphasizing Iran’s commitment to ensuring the security and environmental safety of maritime passage through the strait. He stated that the fees would not be labeled as tolls but would reflect service costs associated with vessel supervision and environmental management.

The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial passage for global oil and liquefied natural gas, with approximately one-fifth of the world’s supply moving through it. The waterway faced significant disruptions during a recent conflict initiated by the U.S. and Israel, which has heightened its strategic importance. Iran has been collaborating with Oman to establish new management arrangements for the strait, as both nations share its borders.

The ongoing war has also prompted the U.S. to impose a naval blockade on Iranian southern ports, further complicating the situation. Fazli’s remarks indicate that Iran is looking to navigate these complexities while fostering cooperation with allied nations like China.