Iran plans new managed Hormuz transit mechanism, ‘necessary fees’ for specialised services
TEHRAN : Iran is preparing to roll out a new mechanism to regulate maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reported on Saturday, citing Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament’s national security committee.
Azizi said Tehran had finalised a designated route for managing ship movements through the strategically significant waterway, adding that further details would be announced soon. He also said Iran planned to charge “necessary fees” for specialised services provided under the proposed system.
According to Azizi, the route would not be accessible to operators linked to the US-led ‘Project Freedom’ maritime initiative, which was launched to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has criticised the operation, viewing it as an attempt by Washington and its allies to undermine Iran’s influence over access to the key shipping corridor.
He further said only commercial vessels and parties cooperating with Iran would be allowed to benefit from the mechanism. Without directly naming the United States or Israel, Azizi reiterated that the waterway would remain closed to countries considered hostile to Iran.
“This route will remain closed to the operators of the so-called ‘Freedom Project’,” Azizi wrote on X.
The developments come as continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz puts pressure on the global economy and forces several countries to adopt austerity measures amid concerns over limited oil supplies. At the same time, US-Iran talks remain uncertain despite a fragile ceasefire, with both sides continuing to exchange threats.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that Tehran had received messages from the US indicating that President Donald Trump’s administration remained open to continuing negotiations aimed at ending the conflict in West Asia.
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi after the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting, Araghchi said earlier reports that Washington had rejected Iran’s proposal were based on comments made by Trump days earlier. However, he added that fresh messages from the US signalled willingness to continue talks and engagement.
Araghchi also clarified that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all countries except those “at war” with Iran, adding that Tehran was ready to facilitate maritime transit through the waterway.
Source : First Post
