TEHRAN – Web Desk: Iran has announced that it will not impose a toll tax on commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, but will charge fees for security and other services provided, according to Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi.
Speaking to the semi-official Mehr news agency, Gharibabadi stated that Iran does not wish to collect any transit duty, crossing fee, or right of passage for using the Strait of Hormuz. However, he clarified that Iran and Oman jointly provide various services for shipping in the Strait, including navigation support, search and rescue operations, maritime protection and security, and environmental cleanup in case of pollution, and appropriate compensation for these services is being considered.
Gharibabadi emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz lies entirely within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman, and both countries have sovereign rights under international maritime law. Since Iran and Oman provide safety, guidance, and emergency assistance services to ships in this waterway, charging for these services is consistent with international law.
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and is considered the world’s most important oil shipping route, through which a significant portion of globally traded crude oil and LNG passes. Iran has kept the Strait closed since the martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei in US-Israeli attacks, causing oil shortages and sending prices soaring.
