Iran's China envoy vows 'special' Hormuz treatment for 'friendly' countries
Iran's ambassador to China said new fees will be charged to vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, but China and other friendly nations will receive special considerations.
Despite US objections, Iran's ambassador to China, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, announced on Saturday at the World Peace Forum in Beijing that new fees will be imposed on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, though China and other 'friendly' countries will be granted 'special considerations.'
An initial US-Iran deal last month halted hostilities and allowed commercial ships to transit the crucial waterway free of charge for 60 days. However, it remains unclear what policies will apply after that period. The US has stated it will not permit Iran to charge tolls or fees for transit under any final agreement.
Fazli said Iran is working 'in collaboration and cooperation' with Oman on new arrangements for the strait. He insisted the fees are not a toll but a charge for services ensuring security, supervision, and environmental protection. 'As a country where the Hormuz is part of its territorial waters, we will definitely charge service fees,' he said.
According to Iran's NourNews agency, Fazli confirmed 'special considerations' for China and other friendly nations when determining the level and type of fees.
In peacetime, one-fifth of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas passed through the strait. It was nearly closed by Iran in late February when the US and Israel launched a war, sending energy prices soaring. The US imposed a naval blockade on Iran's southern ports in April to curb its oil exports.
Fazli stressed that the strait has become a security issue due to the four-month war. He noted that Iran and Oman have established a joint committee to manage the waterway.
