Iran is preparing a new system to regulate maritime traffic through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, with plans to levy charges on ships using the route, according to senior Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Azizi.
Azizi, who heads Iran’s parliamentary committee on national security and foreign policy, said Tehran has finalised a framework to manage vessel movement through a designated transit corridor in the strait. The details of the proposed mechanism are expected to be announced shortly.
Under the plan, passage through the waterway could be restricted to commercial vessels and countries maintaining cooperative ties with Iran. Azizi said Tehran also intends to collect fees from ships in return for “specialised services” provided under the transit arrangement.
The proposed move could have far-reaching implications for global shipping and energy markets, as the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes. A major share of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports passes through the narrow maritime corridor linking the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea.
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia and renewed focus on maritime security in the Gulf region. Any restrictions or additional costs linked to shipping through the strait could impact international trade flows and energy prices worldwide.
Iran’s latest remarks also come alongside efforts to deepen regional partnerships. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi recently said India could play a larger diplomatic role in West Asia because of its strong ties across the Gulf region. He also reiterated Tehran’s interest in expanding cooperation with New Delhi in trade, transit connectivity and regional stability.
Observers view Iran’s comments on the Strait of Hormuz and the development of Chabahar Port as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its influence over key trade and transit routes amid ongoing sanctions pressure and geopolitical uncertainty.
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