Iranian parliament proposes service fees for ships transiting Strait of Hormuz

Tehran’s parliament has introduced a draft law that would require vessels from nations authorized to navigate the Strait of Hormuz to pay a fee for “services” rendered by Iran. The legislation, presented by a committee on maritime affairs, stipulates that the charges would be levied on commercial ships, including oil tankers and cargo vessels, as a condition for continued passage through the strategically vital waterway that handles a significant share of the world’s petroleum shipments.

Proponents of the bill argue that the fees are intended to fund navigation aids, security measures and environmental safeguards along the strait, while also generating revenue for the state. The draft does not specify exact rates, leaving the amount to be determined by a subsequent regulatory framework. International shipping groups and several governments have expressed concern that the new cost could increase freight expenses and disrupt trade flows, although Tehran maintains that the measure complies with international law and will not impede the free movement of vessels. If approved, the law could come into effect later this year, adding a financial dimension to an already geopolitically sensitive corridor.