Iran Does Not Discuss Charging Fees for Ships Passing Through the Strait of Hormuz

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei (Source: IRNA)

JAKARTA - Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday, Iran is currently not discussing the imposition of fees for ships crossing the vital Strait of Hormuz, amid ongoing talks between Oman and Iran on the waterway.

In a weekly press conference on Monday, Baghaei said the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz now depends on the lifting of the US naval blockade, launching Al Arabiya (10/8).

He said that as long as hostile actions continued, the conditions necessary to ensure the safety of these waterways were not met.

He explained that the reopening of the strait depends on the cessation of what he called illegal US actions, the lifting of the blockade, and compensation for the damage that occurred.

Baghaei also said that negotiations between Iran and Oman focused on the establishment of a safe shipping route.

He reiterated Iran's position that the closure of the strait was the result of US and Israeli aggression.

He stressed that the talks with Muscat "have nothing to do with political issues."

Baghaei also said Iran was working on "a mechanism to monitor security, protect the environment, and fight crime at sea."

"Fees and levies will be imposed for maritime services provided to ships," he explained.