Iran’s China envoy vows ‘special’ Hormuz treatment for ‘friendly’ countries
Al Jazeera · 2026-07-05
Iran's Ambassador Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli announced on July 5, 2026, that Iran intends to charge "service fees" for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, asserting this right as part of its territorial waters. Speaking at the World Peace Forum in Beijing, Fazli stated that these fees would not be tolls but would cover security, passage supervision, and environmental management for the estimated one-fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas that passed through the strait in peacetime. He emphasized that "special considerations" would be granted to "friendly nations" like China in determining these fees. This move comes as the Strait has become a "security" issue following a four-month conflict initiated by the US and Israel in late February, which saw Iran close the waterway and the US impose a naval blockade in April. Iran is collaborating with Oman on "new arrangements" through a newly established joint committee to manage the strategic waterway.
*The full article also explores the ongoing negotiations for a permanent settlement regarding the Strait's use and US insistence that Iran not charge tolls.*