Iran’s representative in China announced on Saturday that vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz will soon face service charges. Although Washington has opposed this proposal, the Iranian ambassador noted that nations considered friendly will benefit from favorable treatment. Following a temporary agreement that ended the recent conflict, commercial ships have been utilizing the waterway without cost for a 60-day window; however, future protocols remain undefined.
During the World Peace Forum in Beijing, Ambassador Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli explained that Iran is coordinating with Oman to establish fresh guidelines for the critical shipping lane. He clarified that these fees are for services rendered rather than a toll, citing the need for vessel supervision, security guarantees, and environmental management as the primary justifications. Fazli explicitly stated that countries that supported Iran throughout the recent crisis will be granted special status.
The strait serves as a vital artery for global energy, transporting approximately twenty percent of the world’s liquid natural gas and crude oil. The passage was largely shuttered by Iranian forces during the height of the conflict, which caused global energy costs to spike. While the initial cessation of hostilities allowed for the reopening of the strait, formal negotiations regarding a long-term peace settlement are still in progress.
