Iran has said it will not levy conventional transit fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, but is preparing a new mechanism linked to security coordination, according to media reports.
The move comes amid heightened regional tensions, with Tehran indicating stricter oversight of maritime movement through one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.
Iran weighs ‘security-linked’ fees, tighter oversight
Speaking to Al Jazeera Mubasher, Iran’s National Security Committee spokesperson Ebrahim Rezaei said legislation is being drafted to introduce charges tied to “securing the strait” rather than traditional transit fees.
He said ships would be required to coordinate with Iranian authorities before passage, signalling increased monitoring. Rezaei added that “hostile military vessels”, especially those from the United States and Israel, would be denied entry, while “friendly” vessels could pass, subject to prior coordination.
He also stressed that Tehran does not accept any US role in managing or securing the strait.
Passage subject to Iranian authorisation
Iran has maintained that all maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz will be regulated by its authorities, allowing passage only along designated routes and with prior approval.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said, “4- Passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be conducted based on the ‘designated route’ and with ‘Iranian authorisation.’ 5- Whether the Strait is open or closed and the regulations governing it will be determined by the field, not by social media.”
Earlier, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei clarified that “Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will be allowed along a pre-determined route by Iran.” He added, “If the maritime blockade of Iran’s ports continues, Iran will take reciprocal measures,” and said, “Iran is the guardian of the Strait of Hormuz and will show leniency where necessary.”
Conflicting signals on reopening, fee structure
Iran’s ISNA news agency cited official Mahmoud Nabavian as saying some commercial vessels may be allowed to pass after paying fees. He also linked any reopening of the strait to a ceasefire in Lebanon.
However, US President Donald Trump rejected any such linkage. Speaking at an event in Phoenix, Arizona, he said, “This will be a great and brilliant day for the world because Iran has just announced that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open and ready for business and full passage. But the naval blockade with the greatest navy in the world, from the greatest military the world has ever seen, we built it. During my first term, we built it…We’ll remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100 % complete and fully signed.”