Iran Says It Won’t Charge for Passage Through Hormuz—Only Service Fees

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said today (Monday) that Iran is "not currently considering imposing fees on ships crossing the vital shipping route through Hormuz." However, the Al Arabiya network reported that Iran intends to charge "service fees" to ships that are permitted to pass through the strait.

In a statement to the media in his country, Baghaei said that reopening the strait depends on lifting the U.S. maritime blockade of Iranian seaports. He claimed, "As long as the hostile conduct continues, the conditions for security in the region will not mature. Iran demands an end to U.S. actions, compensation for damages, and the withdrawal of American forces from its vicinity. The closure of the strait was a direct response to American and Israeli aggression" and to the use of regional bases against Tehran."

The spokesperson added that talks are underway with Oman to create a "safe shipping route." This includes establishing mechanisms to oversee safe passage, protect the environment, and combat maritime crime. According to him, "in exchange for providing maritime services to ships, the relevant costs and fees will be collected."