Iran signals intent to charge fees for Strait of Hormuz passage after 60-day grace period

Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has declared that the free passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz will only be permitted for 60 days, coinciding with the duration of a post-war memorandum of understanding with the United States. Beyond this period, Iran intends to levy fees for passage, asserting its sovereign rights over the crucial waterway.

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Under the post-war memorandum of understanding, free passage through the Strait of Hormuz is only allowed for 60 days.

Ghalibaf emphasized the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a "gift from God" and Iran's "greatest tool of power." He indicated that the value of the strait increases with traffic, not decreases, signaling a firm intention to manage and potentially profit from its use. This statement directly challenges the US position, which advocates for continued free passage without additional charges.

The 60-day free transit period stems from a memorandum of understanding signed between the US and Iran on the 17th of last month. This agreement also stipulates that Iran and Oman will discuss long-term management and maritime service plans for the strait. While the US insists on maintaining the principle of free navigation, Iran argues for compensation for services such as ensuring navigational safety.

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Our management and sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz are definitive and clear. We will establish its security in the best possible way.

Oman appears to be aligning with Iran's perspective, reportedly proposing a plan to its allies and the US that would involve shipping companies paying service fees for using the strait. Although not explicitly termed 'transit fees,' these charges would effectively establish a mandatory cost for passage. Ghalibaf confirmed that agreements on legal and service-related matters have been reached with Oman, with further discussions planned within 30 days.

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The Strait of Hormuz was a gift from God to us in this war, and it is our greatest tool of power. We will properly protect this grace of God.

The issue of transit fees is expected to be a central point in future negotiations between the US and Iran, potentially in Doha, Qatar. The White House has reiterated former President Donald Trump's stance that Iran cannot impose fees on the strait, which is considered an international waterway. The differing interpretations and intentions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz's future management highlight a significant point of contention between the two nations.

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The strait is valuable not when traffic decreases, but when it increases every day.