Iran Signals Fee Structure for Strait of Hormuz Transit

Iran’s ambassador to China said Beijing and other friendly nations will receive special considerations on fees for ships using the Strait of Hormuz. The statement was made Saturday at the World Peace Forum in Beijing. Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli said the critical waterway is now a matter of national security after the recent conflict. He added that new arrangements will be developed with Oman.

Fazli said fees would cover safe passage and environmental costs. He stated enforcement would follow international maritime law. Some European nations now accept that limited fees may be imposed, according to people familiar with the discussions. Iran closed the waterway during the fighting that began in late February.

Traffic resumed after an interim peace deal last month. At least eight ships turned back between Friday and Saturday while attempting to exit the Persian Gulf. China, which purchases nearly all of Iran’s oil exports, called for unhindered shipping through the strait.