Iran says no plans to impose tolls on Strait of Hormuz

Iran does not seek to impose tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson has said, adding that Iran and Oman are working on a protocol to ensure safe maritime passage through the strategic waterway.

At his weekly press conference on May 25, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei emphasized that Iran does not collect tolls in the strait and stressed the importance of precise terminology when discussing the issue, Tasnim News Agency reports.

He said Iran is not seeking to impose charges, noting that ongoing efforts by Iran and Oman to develop a framework for safe navigation represent a responsible approach. He added that it is natural for services provided in this context, including environmental protection measures, to entail costs.

Responding to a question about British and French proposals regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei said no country other than Iran and Oman has a presence in the waterway.

He stressed that responsibility for establishing a safe-passage mechanism lies with Iran and Oman, adding that the two coastal states are currently working on the process. He said that “scattered measures being undertaken by others are making the situation more complicated,” and noted that Iran remains in contact with all relevant parties to ensure a navigation framework can be implemented as quickly as possible.

Commenting on a visit by Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi to Oman and consultations on the issue, Baghaei said Iran understands that security in the Strait of Hormuz is a global concern.

He said this increases the responsibility of Iran as a coastal state, adding that Tehran must balance its own security needs with those of the international community.

Baghaei added that Iran and Oman are pursuing an effective mechanism for safe passage because they believe the waterway should remain accessible to all countries.

He further said recent developments were the result of what he described as violations by the United States and Israel following their war of aggression against Iran.

He concluded that every responsible country supports the establishment of a reliable and orderly system for maritime navigation.

By Vafa Guliyeva