Iran to consider 'special treatment' for friendly nations on Hormuz transit fees

Iran intends to implement fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, but will offer preferential treatment to "friendly nations," according to its ambassador to China. The ambassador, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, stated that as a nation whose waters include the strait, Iran has the right to impose service charges.

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As a country whose waters include Hormuz, Iran will definitely charge service fees.

Fazli specified that countries that have been "friendly" and stood by Iran during "difficult times" will be considered for special treatment. He explicitly named China as a "friendly nation" and a "close ally" that would receive "special consideration."

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We will consider special treatment for countries that have been friendly to us and have stood by us, especially in difficult times.

While the exact nature of this preferential treatment remains undisclosed, the ambassador also mentioned ongoing cooperation with Oman to establish new measures for the strait. These measures are expected to ensure safe passage, oversee navigation, and manage the environmental impact of heavy shipping traffic.

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China is a friendly nation, so we will definitely give special consideration to China.

This announcement reiterates Iran's previous claims of charging "service fees" rather than tolls, drawing a comparison to the Malacca Strait, which operates on a voluntary fund from user nations. The specifics of post-60-day passage for merchant ships, following an agreement with the U.S. to facilitate wartime passage, remain uncertain.

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Friendly nations deserve special treatment.