Iran says "Except for warring countries, the strait is open"! "Non-hostile vessels" can pass through the Strait of Hormuz "in coordination with Iran"

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Iran has made its latest statement regarding navigation rules in the Strait of Hormuz: "The strait is open to all except warring countries."

According to Xinhua News Agency on March 24, Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, spoke by phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Aragchi on the 24th at Aragchi's request. Aragchi stated that Iran is committed to achieving a comprehensive ceasefire, not just a temporary truce. The Strait of Hormuz is open to everyone, and ships can pass through safely, but countries currently engaged in conflict are not included. He hopes that measures taken by all parties will help de-escalate the situation rather than escalate the conflict.

Wang Yi reiterated China's principled position, stressing that all hotspot issues should be resolved through dialogue and negotiation, not by force. He hopes all parties seize every opportunity and window for peace to start negotiations as soon as possible.

According to further details disclosed by the media, Iran further clarified transit conditions in a letter distributed to International Maritime Organization (IMO) members on Tuesday the 24th. In the letter, the Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that "non-hostile vessels" may transit the Strait of Hormuz "with coordination of Iranian authorities." As long as foreign ships do not assist acts of aggression against Iran and comply with the relevant regulations set by the Iranian government, they will be allowed passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The letter pointed out that countries that coordinate with Iranian authorities can enjoy the convenience of safe passage.

The letter stated that ships affiliated with the United States and Israel, as well as "other parties involved in aggression, are not qualified for innocent or non-hostile passage." The Iranian Foreign Ministry said it has taken "necessary and proportionate measures to prevent aggressors and their supporters from using the Strait of Hormuz to advance hostile actions against Iran."

According to shipping data, about 3,200 ships are currently stranded in the Gulf region. Since the outbreak of the conflict, at least 22 ships have been attacked. Analysts point out that Iran has recently permitted a small number of ships to transit its territorial waters, in a move meant to verify the identities of the vessels.

$2 Million "Passage Fee"?

As the conditions for transiting Hormuz are further clarified, rumors about Iran charging a "passage fee" for the strait are also fermenting.

According to media reports on Tuesday, Iran is temporarily charging some commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz a transit fee, with single charges reaching as high as $2 million. Media citing Lloyd’s List Intelligence and informed sources say some vessels have already paid Iran up to $2 million for safe passage.

It is reported that Iranian lawmaker Mansour Alimardani revealed that the Iranian parliament is preparing to introduce new regulations to manage traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. He explained: "Iran has always pursued a policy of international cooperation in the Strait of Hormuz, but the pressure caused by illegal sanctions has prompted Iran to temporarily restrict cargo passage, to demonstrate its ability to manage global energy transport."

He told Tehran's Mehr News Agency that the plan has two parts: "First, to take reciprocal measures against countries supporting U.S. sanctions on Iran; second, to shift transactions from the U.S. dollar to alternative currencies."

However, according to CCTV News, the Iranian embassy in India clearly denied on the 23rd local time that it was charging passing ships $2 million, calling the claim "groundless."

Current Status of Shipping Obstruction

Since the outbreak of the conflict on February 28, shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has been severely affected.

Statistics show that about 3,200 ships are currently stranded in the Gulf region, unwilling to risk passing through the strait, which is only 21 nautical miles wide at its narrowest point. Since the outbreak of the conflict, at least 22 ships have been attacked by Iran. SV Anchan, CEO of the U.S.-based Safesea Group, has called: "All governments should stand up and work hard to help resolve this situation." The company's vessel, the Safesea Vishnu, was attacked on March 11 and is now "beyond repair."

The international community has expressed deep concern about the situation in the strait. According to CCTV News, Indian Prime Minister Modi said on Tuesday that he spoke with U.S. President Trump by phone, and both parties agreed to maintain communication on promoting peace and stability in the region. Modi emphasized that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, unobstructed and secure is vital to the world. The Indian government also issued a statement Tuesday stating that international law guarantees freedom of navigation and that no party should charge fees for the use of the strait.

In addition, Kuwait has warned that a blockade of the strait would trigger a domino effect globally. According to CCTV News, French President Macron has called on relevant parties to stop attacking energy facilities in the Middle East and urged Iran to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

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