Iran’s ambassador to China, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, recently clarified that the nation intends to implement new service fees for vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at the World Peace Forum in Beijing, Fazli emphasized that these charges are intended to cover the costs of securing the waterway, overseeing vessel traffic, and managing environmental impacts, rather than functioning as a traditional toll. While the United States has voiced opposition to the proposal, Iran maintains that it has the authority to regulate these waters and is currently coordinating with Oman to finalize the new operational framework.

The status of these fees remains a point of contention as the temporary agreement that allowed for free transit following the recent Middle East conflict nears its expiration. Although Iran has indicated that it will eventually charge for the passage, the ambassador assured that “friendly” nations—particularly those that supported Iran during its recent challenges—would receive preferential treatment. As global markets remain sensitive to activity in the strait, which serves as a critical artery for a significant portion of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas, the international community continues to monitor these ongoing negotiations for a permanent resolution.