Iran's China envoy promises special Hormuz treatment for friendly nations

The Iranian ambassador to the United States announced that Tehran will impose new fees on all vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, despite strong objections from Washington. The statement was issued during a press briefing on Tuesday, in which the ambassador emphasized that the fees are part of a broader effort to assert sovereign control over the waterway and to generate revenue for the national economy.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20 % of the world’s petroleum supply passes, has long been a flashpoint for geopolitical tensions. The United States has repeatedly warned that any unilateral restrictions on shipping could disrupt global trade and fuel market volatility. In response, the Iranian government cited security concerns and the need to compensate for the costs of maintaining the channel’s infrastructure, arguing that the fees would be applied uniformly to all commercial and military vessels.

The announcement is likely to prompt further diplomatic engagement between Tehran and Washington. While Iran maintains that the new charges are lawful under international maritime norms, the U.S. has called for a multilateral review of the proposal and has urged the United Nations to mediate the dispute. The outcome will affect shipping companies, insurers, and energy markets that rely on the steady flow of oil through the narrow strait.