Iran has drafted a legislative proposal that would require vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz to pay fees for various services, according to reports.
The Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Hassan Ghashghavi, spokesperson for the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian Parliament, confirmed the development. The proposed fees are intended to cover maritime services, environmental protection, fuel, insurance, and security measures.
The legislation stipulates that these payments may be collected in Iranian rials or other currencies designated by Tehran. Ghashghavi stated that the bill was drafted in accordance with international maritime law and respects the rights of littoral states bordering the strait.
"The new regulations are not intended to restrict the freedom of maritime navigation, but rather to ensure the security and sovereignty of the coastal nations," Ghashghavi noted.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, serving as the primary route for a significant portion of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments. Connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, the strait is vital for international energy markets. Any regulatory changes affecting transit through this narrow passage are closely monitored by global powers and shipping industries due to the potential impact on energy security and international trade routes.
