Tehran: Iran has pledged to forgo “traditional fees” for ships using the Strait of Hormuz — the world’s premier oil artery carrying roughly 20% of seaborne crude amid its long-running tussle with the West —introducing fees instead tied to collaborative security efforts, according to Al Jazeera.
National Security Committee spokesman Ebrahim Azizi, in comments to Al Jazeera Mubasher, revealed draft legislation designed to tie fees to “securing the strait” and eliminate standard transit charges, ANI reported.
Bans For Hostile Ships
Azizi said vessels need Iranian authority coordination for passage through the crucial route, signalling ramped-up oversight. “Hostile military vessels”, particularly from the United States and Israel, face total exclusion, while “friendly” ships may proceed with advance Iranian force approval.
He rejected any US stake in managing or safeguarding the strait.
ISNA news agency quoted Mahmoud Nabavian saying certain commercial ships could pass after fees, linking it to a Lebanon ceasefire despite US President Donald Trump’s denial.
Tehran demands sole say over Hormuz traffic, greenlighting only designated paths with its nod, as US frictions mount on security and negotiations.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf declared: “4- Passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be conducted based on the ‘designated route’ and with ‘Iranian authorisation.’ 5- Whether the Strait is open or closed and the regulations governing it will be determined by the field, not by social media.”
Trump: Deal Not Final
Trump stated on Friday no Iran agreement binds until complete, claiming advances with Tehran, Israel, and Lebanon.
At Phoenix’s Turning Point USA event on West Asia, he remarked: “This will be a great and brilliant day for the world because Iran has just announced that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open and ready for business and full passage. But the naval blockade with the greatest navy in the world, from the greatest military the world has ever seen, we built it. During my first term, we built it…We’ll remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete and fully signed.”
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, via Al Jazeera citing Tasnim, clarified Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi: “Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will be allowed along a pre-determined route by Iran.”
He warned, “If the maritime blockade of Iran’s ports continues, Iran will take reciprocal measures,” and asserted “Iran is the guardian of the Strait of Hormuz and will show leniency where necessary.”
