Iran Proposes Service Charges For Vessels Using Strait Of Hormuz

Iran has proposed that fees be charged for maritime services provided to vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday. His remarks came as Tehran and Oman continued discussions on arrangements for a temporary maritime route through the strategic waterway.

Speaking at a weekly press conference, Baghaei indicated that vessels using maritime services should reimburse the providers. He added that the specific details of any fee structure had not yet been discussed, as negotiations between Iran and Oman were still underway. Technical aspects of the proposed arrangement are expected to be addressed during the continuing talks.

Baghaei described the negotiations with Oman as smooth and constructive. He said the two countries were working on mechanisms to ensure the safety of shipping, address environmental concerns, provide maritime services and counter criminal activity in the Strait of Hormuz. The discussions are aimed at establishing arrangements that would allow maritime traffic to operate safely through the waterway.

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Under the potential agreement, the existing northern and southern shipping routes could be replaced temporarily by an intermediate route, Baghaei said. The temporary arrangement would remain in place until Iran and Oman reach an agreement on a new traffic separation scheme for vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz.

Baghaei also attributed the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to what he described as US and Israeli military aggression against Iran. He maintained that reopening the waterway would depend on the removal of conditions imposed on Iran. He reiterated that Tehran was not negotiating directly with Washington, although the two countries continue to exchange messages through intermediaries.

The latest developments come amid diplomatic efforts to address maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key international shipping corridor. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that Iran and Oman were close to an agreement on a temporary route. US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, indicated that discussions with Iran were continuing at a limited level while Washington maintains economic pressure on Tehran.

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