Iran Envoy Says Hormuz Transit Fees May Include Special Terms for Friendly Nations

Iran's ambassador to China said commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz could face new service fees, while China and other "friendly" countries may receive special consideration, according to an Al Jazeera report.

Iran says it is considering new security and service arrangements for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. (Photo: NASA Johnson Flickr)

An initial agreement between Iran and the United States to halt hostilities reportedly allows commercial ships to use the strategic waterway free of charge for 60 days, although policies beyond that period remain under negotiation.

The United States has said Iran will not be permitted to impose tolls or transit fees under any permanent agreement.

Speaking at the World Peace Forum in Beijing, Ambassador Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli said Iran was working with Oman on new arrangements for the strait.

"As a country where the Hormuz is part of its territorial waters, we will definitely charge service fees," Fazli said, while emphasizing that the proposed charges would not constitute transit tolls.

He said the fees would help fund maritime security, oversight of vessel traffic and measures to address environmental impacts from heavy shipping. Fazli added that the Strait of Hormuz has become an increasingly important security concern following the recent conflict between Iran and the United States.