Iran seeks to collect service fees, not tolls for crossing Strait of Hormuz

Iran said it will seek to impose service fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz in return for ensuring maritime security, rather than charging transit tolls.  Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi told Iran’s Mehr news agency on Thursday that Tehran “is not seeking to collect tolls, transit tariffs, or transit permit fees.”  Instead, he said Iran would seek compensation for services provided in cooperation with Oman, including navigational assistance, search and rescue operations, security and safety services, and environmental clean-up efforts in the event of pollution incidents. Gharibabadi said the strategic waterway lies entirely within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman, adding that the two countries hold sovereignty over the strait under international law and the […]