The Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee has approved a provision that mandates charging ships for various services when passing through the Hormuz Strait, as reported by Mehr.
According to the committee's official representative, Hasan Kashkavi, this refers to Article 3 of the bill on "Strategic Measures for Ensuring Security and Development of the Hormuz Strait," which had not been previously discussed by the committee.
Under the approved provision, ships from countries permitted to pass through the strait will be charged for maritime and environmental services, special conditions for refueling, insurance, security provisions, and other types of services. Payments can be made in Iranian rials or other currencies deemed acceptable by the Islamic Republic.
Kashkavi emphasized that when regulating navigation, it is essential to consider the rights and sovereignty of coastal states. He noted that alongside the freedom of navigation enshrined in international law, the security and sovereignty of the countries bordering the Hormuz Strait must also be preserved.
The committee representative also reminded that after joining the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, Oman issued a political statement emphasizing that the provisions of this convention should not violate the national sovereignty and security of the country.
