Tehran/Beijing, July 5:
Iran has announced that it will begin charging service fees for commercial vessels transiting the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz once its 60-day free passage arrangement with the United States expires.
Speaking at the World Peace Forum in Beijing on Saturday, Iran's Ambassador to China, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, said the charges should not be viewed as transit tolls but as fees for services provided by Iran, including maritime security, traffic monitoring, and environmental protection.
"The Strait of Hormuz lies within our regional waters, and we will collect service fees for the services we provide," the ambassador said, adding that Iran is coordinating the new mechanism with Oman.
Fazli also stated that Iran would offer special concessions to countries that supported Tehran during recent regional tensions, signaling that friendly nations may receive preferential treatment under the new policy.
The announcement follows the expiration of a 60-day agreement reached after the recent U.S.-Iran conflict, under which commercial vessels were allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without charges.
The United States has maintained that the waterway should remain open to international shipping without any transit fees, arguing that freedom of navigation is essential for global trade.
Earlier this year, shipping through the Strait was severely disrupted after Iran temporarily closed the passage during hostilities, triggering concerns over global energy supplies and pushing oil prices higher. Maritime traffic resumed after a ceasefire agreement.
The latest move by Tehran is expected to draw close attention from global shipping companies and energy markets, as analysts assess its potential impact on transportation costs, crude oil prices, and international trade.
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