Iranian Parliamentary Panel Endorses Draft Provision to Charge Shipping Fees in Strait of Hormuz

TEHRAN, Aug 24 — The Iranian parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee has approved a draft law provision authorizing Tehran to impose fees on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

The committee endorsed Article 3 of the proposed “Strategic Action Plan to Ensure the Security and Development of the Strait of Hormuz” following a previous postponement, according to official news agency IRNA, as reported by Anadolu Ajansi.

Committee spokesperson Hassan Qashqavi stated that the provision authorizes fees for various services provided in the strategic waterway, including maritime navigation, environmental protection, specialized fueling, insurance, and security assistance.

“The fees would be collected from vessels belonging to countries permitted to pass through the strait and paid in Iranian rials or another currency designated by Tehran,” Qashqavi explained.

Qashqavi maintained that the draft legislation respects the rights of coastal states bordering the Strait of Hormuz, recognizing freedom of maritime navigation under international law while emphasizing respect for coastal sovereignty and security protections.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a central sticking point in negotiations to end the US-Israeli conflict with Iran that began in February. While commercial shipping previously enjoyed free passage through the critical Gulf oil and gas transit route, Tehran now insists on maintaining administrative control and collecting service fees—a position firmly opposed by the United States.

For the proposal to take full legal effect in Iran, the committee’s report must advance to the full parliament, where lawmakers will vote on individual provisions and the overall bill. If passed, the legislation will be referred to the Guardian Council for review to ensure compliance with the Iranian Constitution and Islamic principles. Should any disputes arise between parliament and the Guardian Council, the Expediency Council may intervene to reach a final resolution.

–NMT