IRAN SEEKS TO LEGALISE FEES FOR VESSELS TRANSITING STRAIT OF HORMUZ – LAWMAKER

TEHRAN, March 26 (Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti) -- Iran wants to legalise fees for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian parliament member Mohammadreza Rezaei Kouchi said on Thursday, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti.

On March 24, Bloomberg reported that Tehran had begun charging up to US$2 million for commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

"We want to develop a bill in which sovereignty, dominance, and control over the Strait of Hormuz will be enshrined in law, creating a source of revenue for the country through tolls. A preliminary version is ready, but it does not yet represent a full-fledged bill," the lawmaker was quoted as saying by Tasnim.

He added that the fees would be necessary "to ensure the safety of vessels" passing through the waterway connecting the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Work on the bill will continue in the near future, after which it will be considered at an an open session of parliament.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahid Jalalzadeh has said that Tehran is developing a new legal regime for the Strait of Hormuz, which will take effect after the conflict ends, with Iran planning to cooperate with Oman on this matter.

On February 28, the United States (US) and Israel launched strikes on targets in Iran, including in Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties.

Iran responded by striking Israeli territory and US military facilities in West Asia.

The escalation around Iran has led to a de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil and liquefied natural gas shipments from Persian Gulf countries to global markets.

It has also affected oil exports and production levels in the region, driving up prices.

-- BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI