BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 25. Iran does not levy
fees on vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz and has no intention
of introducing such transit duties, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson
Esmaeil Baghaei announced during a press conference held in Tehran
today (May 25), Trend
reports.
According to the spokesperson, the Iranian side maintains a dual
focus regarding the strategic waterway.
Baghaei stated that, first, joint efforts by Iran and Oman to
develop a mechanism ensuring the safe transit of vessels through
the Strait of Hormuz represent a highly responsible step under
international law. This initiative aligns with the national
interests and security profiles of both coastal nations while
benefiting global maritime commerce.
Second, Baghaei noted that alongside ongoing services provided
to transiting ships, essential measures must be taken to protect
the marine environment across the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian
Gulf, and the Gulf of Oman. He emphasized that these operations
incur specific costs, creating a practical need to recover those
expenditures.
"Iran and Oman continue to deploy responsible efforts, and we
hope to achieve a final result soon," he added.
The conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran
between February 28 and April 7 generated severe restrictions on
the free navigation of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
Following those disruptions, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
(IRGC) announced a new, strict maritime surveillance zone in the
Strait of Hormuz on May 4.
