Iran to Charge Service Fees for Strait of Hormuz Transit, Offers Special Treatment to Allies

Iran intends to levy new fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran's Ambassador to China, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli. He stated that "friendly" nations would be granted special privileges under these upcoming regulations.

“

We will definitely charge a service fee.

Speaking at the World Peace Forum in Beijing, Fazli explained that Iran is collaborating with Oman to establish new rules for the vital waterway. He emphasized that the fees are not a "toll" but rather a "service fee" for passage through Iranian territorial waters. These new measures will encompass guarantees for navigation safety, oversight of vessel transit, and management of environmental impacts arising from heavy traffic.

Fazli assured that countries that have stood with Iran during difficult times would receive preferential treatment. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint, responsible for approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas transport. Its previous blockade during regional conflicts led to significant energy price spikes.

“

These new regulations will cover navigation safety guarantees, vessel transit supervision, and address environmental impacts from heavy ship traffic.

While Iran and the U.S. have reached preliminary agreements to end hostilities and lift the blockade, permanent solutions are still under negotiation. The U.S. has previously voiced strong opposition to Iran's proposals for charging transit fees through the strait.

“

We will definitely give special treatment to those friendly countries that stand with us in difficult times.