Iran plans service fees for Strait of Hormuz passage, contradicting Trump

The Islamic Republic intends to charge fees to ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz, with exemptions planned for "friendly nations." This announcement, made by Iran's ambassador to China, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, during the World Peace Forum in Beijing, directly contradicts statements by U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump had claimed late last month that Iran had promised him there would be no "CHARGES OF ANY KIND BEING SOUGHT OR RECEIVED BY IRAN ON SHIPS TRAVELING THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ."

“

As a country where the Hormuz is part of its territorial waters, we will definitely charge service fees.

Fazli stated that Tehran is working in "collaboration and cooperation" with Muscat on "new arrangements" for Hormuz. "As a country where the Hormuz is part of its territorial waters, we will definitely charge service fees," he said, distinguishing these fees from tolls, a point that could be crucial for legality. Under Articles 38 and 44 of UNCLOS, bordering Iran and Oman cannot suspend, impede, or charge tolls for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

However, military historian Dr. Lynette Nusbacher previously explained to The Jerusalem Post that there is potential leeway for Iran and Oman to charge fees for services rendered. Fazli elaborated on these "new arrangements," stating they would concern "guaranteeing the security of passage through the Straits of Hormuz, supervision of the passage of the vessels… and also guaranteeing and dealing with the environmental consequences of the massive number of ships." He added, "We will definitely consider special treatment for the countries that were friendly to us and specially stood by us during the hard times."

“

These new arrangements will be concerning guaranteeing the security of passage through the Straits of Hormuz, supervision of the passage of the vessels… and also guaranteeing and dealing with the environmental consequences of the massive number of ships. We will definitely consider special treatment for the countries that were friendly to us and specially stood by us during the hard times.

Trump had previously claimed that "negotiations would end" if Iran's alleged promise to Washington not to seek fees proved false. Under a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Washington and Tehran, Iran agreed to guarantee safe passage through the strait without charging tolls or fees for the initial 60 days. Washington has already accused Tehran of violating this agreement after Iran took hostile action against ships crossing Hormuz outside what Tehran insists is the approved route.

“

Negotiations would end if fees implemented