Iran Committee Approves Bill to Charge Ships Transiting Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Committee has approved a clause allowing Tehran to charge fees on authorized ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Under the proposed law, fees could be levied for shipping and environmental services, emergency fuel supply, insurance, security and other services — though the measure still faces further legislative and Guardian Council review before becoming law.
TEHRAN: Iran’s parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Committee approved on Sunday a clause in a proposed bill that would grant Tehran the authority to charge fees on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the official IRNA news agency, the committee continued deliberations on the proposed “Strategic Action Plan to Ensure the Security and Development of the Strait of Hormuz.” Committee spokesman Hassan Ghashghavi said members approved Article 3 of the bill, discussion of which had been postponed at a previous session.
He explained that under this provision, fees could be charged for shipping and environmental services provided in the strait, as well as emergency fuel supply, insurance, security and other services. According to Ghashghavi, the fees would be collected from vessels belonging to countries permitted to transit the strait, payable in Iranian rials or another currency designated by Tehran.
He added that the proposed law also takes into account the rights of countries bordering the Strait of Hormuz, saying it recognizes freedom of maritime navigation under international law while emphasizing respect for the security, sovereignty and rights of coastal states.
The Strait of Hormuz has remained a major point of contention amid efforts to end the US-Israeli war against Iran that began in February. Prior to the war, vessels moved freely through the strait, a critical maritime corridor for oil and gas exports from Gulf nations. Iran is now insisting on maintaining control over the strait and charging fees on transiting ships — a position rejected by the United States.
Legislative Process
For the proposal to become law in Iran, it must first be debated and approved section by section in the relevant parliamentary committee. The committee’s report is then presented to the full parliament, where members vote on each provision and subsequently on the bill as a whole. If approved, the bill is sent to the Guardian Council, which reviews it for compliance with the constitution and Islamic principles. If the council raises objections, the bill returns to parliament; persistent disagreement can prompt intervention by the Expediency Council. Once approved by the Guardian Council, the law is enacted by the president and takes formal effect.