Iran Approves Service Fees For ‘Authorised’ Ships Transiting Strait Of Hormuz

Iran has approved a plan to charge ships from countries it allows to pass through the Strait of Hormuz for services provided by Tehran, as tensions with the United States continue over the strategic waterway.

The fees will cover services such as navigation, environmental support, fuel supply in certain conditions, insurance and safety, Iranian officials said. Payments can be made in Iranian rials or another currency chosen by Iran.

Iran’s parliament National Security and Foreign Policy Commission approved Article 3 of the “Strategic Action Plan for Security and Development of the Strait of Hormuz” on Sunday.

Hassan Ghashghavi, spokesperson for the commission, said the article had been left pending from an earlier meeting and was approved during Sunday’s session.

“Under Article 3, fees will be charged for services including maritime, environmental, fuel supply in special conditions, insurance, safety, and other services provided in the Strait of Hormuz,” Ghashghavi told reporters.

Iran’s National Security Commission spokesperson Ebrahim Rezaei also said ships from countries authorised to use the waterway would have to pay for services provided by Iran.

He said the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz have their own rules and conditions.

Ghashghavi referred to Oman, saying that after accepting the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the country issued a political statement saying the convention should not affect its national sovereignty and security.

Iran Says Strait of Hormuz Remains Closed

Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said on Saturday that the waterway would not reopen until the United States fulfils its commitments and changes its behaviour.

“The Strait of Hormuz is closed, despite American claims, and will not open until America corrects its behaviour,” Rezaei told state broadcaster IRIB.

“This time, America must first fulfil its obligations,” he added.

Rezaei also accused Washington of moving away from military options and relying on economic pressure against Iran. He said the United States was using economic pressure after becoming disappointed with military attacks.

He also claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had told U.S. President Donald Trump that an economic blockade would force Iran to surrender.

The dispute has affected international energy movement, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining at the centre of the confrontation between Iran and the United States.

Iran has warned of countermeasures against tanker traffic that it does not authorise.

Trump Repeats Claim Over Strait of Hormuz

Trump has continued to make claims about U.S. control of the Strait of Hormuz.

The U.S. president recently shared an image on Truth Social showing the waterway as “NEW US Territory”. He had shared the same graphic on August 18 after previously raising the possibility of claiming jurisdiction over the Strait.

At a police academy gathering on Long Island on August 14, Trump said, “Pretty soon I’ll be declaring the Strait of Hormuz a territory of the United States.”

Trump has also warned foreign governments against giving Iran “any type of lifeline” and said Tehran must accept what Washington considers the right deal.

Iranian officials have maintained their position on the Strait while also expressing support for negotiations.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for diplomatic efforts to resolve the dispute. He said Iran should work to end the conflict while protecting its national strength and dignity.

References: The Hindu Business Line, IRNA