Daijiworld Media Network – Tehran

Tehran, Jul 5: Iran plans to introduce new service fees for ships passing through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, with countries that supported Tehran during the recent conflict set to receive preferential treatment, Iran's ambassador to China said on Saturday.

Speaking at the World Peace Forum in Beijing, Ambassador Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli said Iran was working with Oman to develop a new framework for managing maritime traffic through the waterway.

The announcement comes despite the United States rejecting Iran's proposal to levy charges on vessels using the strait.

Following the recent conflict between Iran and the US, both sides had agreed to allow commercial ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz free of charge for 60 days. However, it remains unclear what mechanism will replace the temporary arrangement once it expires.

"As a country where the Hormuz is part of its territorial waters, we will definitely charge service fees," Fazli said, adding that the charges should not be viewed as a toll.

He explained that the proposed fees would cover services such as ensuring the safe passage of vessels, monitoring maritime traffic and mitigating the environmental impact caused by heavy shipping activity.

The ambassador also said Iran would extend special treatment to countries that supported Tehran during the recent conflict.

"We will definitely consider special treatment for the countries that were friendly to us and especially stood by us during the hard times," he said.

The Strait of Hormuz handles nearly one-fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports, making it one of the world's most critical energy shipping routes.

The waterway was largely blocked during the recent Middle East conflict, causing a sharp surge in global energy prices. Iran later reopened the strait after reaching an initial agreement with the United States to end hostilities, while negotiations on a permanent settlement are continuing.