Iran says it will seek to introduce service fees for vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for ensuring vessel security, rather than transit fees, UNN reports, citing CNN.
Iran "does not seek to collect passage fees, transit duties, or payments for transit rights," the country's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said in an interview with the semi-official Iranian outlet Mehr on Thursday.
Instead, the country will seek compensation for services provided jointly with Oman, including navigation assistance, search and rescue operations, security provision, and environmental protection in case of pollution, the official said.
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The strategic waterway is "entirely within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman," Gharibabadi added, noting that these governments have sovereignty over the strait "in accordance with international law and the law of the sea."
The Deputy Foreign Minister stated that the arrangements being developed would comply with international law, but acknowledged that "they will not 100% satisfy some countries."
Context
Status of US-Iranian negotiations: Gharibabadi reported "significant progress" in working on the draft text of a peace agreement with the US, but declined to provide a timeline for a potential deal.
"I really cannot give you a timeframe at this stage… We will finalize the text that will meet and ensure our interests," he said.