Iran on Monday rejected claims that it is collecting USD 2 million from ships sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route the country has effectively closed in response to the US and Israeli attacks.
Calling the claims “unfounded”, the Iranian Embassy in India said that any statement made in this regard merely reflects the personal views of the individuals who are making them.
“In response to certain claims regarding the alleged receipt of a sum of 2 million dollars by the Islamic Republic of Iran from vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, it is emphasized that such claims are unfounded. The statements made in this regard merely reflect the personal views of individuals and do not, in any way, represent the official position of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the statement said.
The clarification comes amid the escalating tensions in the Middle East, with Iran effectively blocking the Strait of Hormuz- one of the world’s most critical energy supply routes.
The Iranian move that came in response to the US and Israeli attacks on its territory has triggered a global energy crisis, with the supply of oil and gas severely affected.
However, Tehran has clarified that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is not absolute as it maintains that restrictions apply to only “enemy ships”.
Cargo vessels from several countries, including China, India and Bangladesh have reportedly been allowed to sail through the Strait of Hormuz.