Iran on Sunday said vessels from countries authorised to transit the Strait of Hormuz will now have to pay service fees to Tehran.
Iran’s National Security Commission spokesperson Ebrahim Rezaei said the charges would cover a range of maritime, environmental and logistical services provided by the country. The decision follows the approval of Article 3 of the “Strategic Action to Ensure the Security and Progress of the Strait of Hormuz” plan by the National Security Commission, according to state broadcaster IRIB. “Article 3 of the ‘Strategic Action to Ensure the Security and Progress of the Strait of Hormuz’ plan was approved by the National Security Commission, according to which ships from countries authorised to pass through the Strait of Hormuz will pay for the services provided by Iran,” Rezaei said. He said the fees would cover services such as navigation, environmental protection, fueling under certain conditions, insurance, safety and other facilities provided by Iran. The announcement came a day after Iran’s Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), Mohsen Rezaei, said the Strait of Hormuz remained closed and would not reopen until the United States fulfilled its commitments and changed its approach towards Tehran. In an interview with IRIB, Rezaei said, “The Strait of Hormuz is closed, despite American claims, and will not open until America corrects its behaviour. “The Americans are completely disappointed with the military attacks and think they can help with military actions through an economic blockade,” he said.
Rezaei added that the payment mechanism would offer flexibility in terms of currency.
