Tehran makes exceptions for several countries on duties for passage through Hormuz
Tehran has provided exceptions for several countries, including Russia, regarding the imposition of duties for passage through the Hormuz Strait, announced Iran's ambassador to Moscow, Kazem Jalali.
“At the moment, we have provided exceptions for some countries; I do not know what will happen in the future. However, currently, our Foreign Ministry is trying to apply the exceptions provided for friendly countries, such as Russia,” the ambassador said in response to a related question.
Tehran announced plans to impose duties following attacks by the United States and Israel, explaining this as compensation for the costs associated with ensuring the security of the Hormuz Strait. Currently, the strait is blocked by Iran until the U.S. naval blockade is fully lifted.
On Thursday, Deputy Speaker of the Islamic Republic’s parliament, Hamidreza Haji Babaei, stated that Iran has received income from fees for crossing the Hormuz Strait for the first time, with the funds being transferred to the country’s central bank.
At the end of March, the Islamic Republic began drafting a bill on Hormuz. Among other provisions, it includes charging fees for passage in rials and banning transit for the United States, Israel, and countries supporting sanctions against Tehran. The document has not yet been approved.
On April 8, the United States and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire; however, the subsequent negotiations yielded no results. A new meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, but the Islamic Republic of Iran refused to participate. After the ceasefire began, the Americans announced a blockade of Iranian ports and promised to lift it only after an agreement is reached. Therefore, according to Tasnim, Tehran considered contacts with the U.S. a waste of time.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire regime. According to him, it will remain in effect until Iran prepares a proposal for a settlement and the parties hold negotiations.
Source: RIA Novosti
