The strategic Strait of Hormuz will remain open to international shipping, but with new conditions to be determined by Iran and Oman, including imposing transit fees for ships passing through this vital energy corridor, Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali said.
The statement comes at a time of high tensions in the region, where the ongoing conflict has significantly restricted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a route through which about a fifth of global oil and hydrocarbon supplies pass in normal times.
"Of course, this strait will be open, but under new conditions that will be determined by the Iranian and Omani authorities," Jalali told the Russian newspaper Izvestia. According to him, Iran and Oman provide various services related to the security and management of maritime traffic in the strait, so tariffs will be applied for these services.
Although the ambassador did not provide concrete details on the level of the tariffs or how they would be implemented, the statement has raised concerns in international energy markets, as any restrictions or additional costs in Hormuz could directly affect global oil and liquefied natural gas prices.
The war in the region has significantly reduced the flow of oil tankers through this strategic corridor. Although some ships have managed to pass in recent weeks, the flow of energy exports remains well below normal levels.
The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the most important geopolitical points in the world, as it connects the Persian Gulf to international markets and serves as a major export route for major oil producers in the Middle East. Experts warn that any change in the regime of passage through it could have significant consequences for the global economy and energy security.
