Iran is planning to tighten its grip over the Strait of Hormuz with new transit fees to regulate ship movement through the route. However, the country has ruled out charging any “traditional fees” on ships passing through it.Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for Iran’s National Security Committee told Al Jazeera that a law is being drafted to introduce charges related to “securing the strait”. He added that ships would only be allowed to pass after coordinating with Iranian authorities.Rezaei further asserted that while “hostile military vessels”, especially from the United States and Israel, would not be allowed, “friendly” vessels could pass, but only with prior coordination. He also said Iran does not accept any role for the United States in managing or securing the strait.Iran has said that movement through the strait will remain under its control, with ships required to follow set routes and get approval from Tehran.Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said, “4- Passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be conducted based on the ‘designated route’ and with ‘Iranian authorization.’ 5- Whether the Strait is open or closed and the regulations governing it will be determined by the field, not by social media.”Meanwhile, Trump said on Friday (local time) that any agreement with Iran would only take effect once it is fully completed, even as he spoke of progress involving Tehran, Israel and Lebanon.At the Turning Point USA event in Phoenix in Arizona, he said, “This will be a great and brilliant day for the world because Iran has just announced that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open and ready for business and full passage. But the naval blockade with the greatest navy in the world, from the greatest military the world has ever seen, we built it. During my first term, we built it…We’ll remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran until such time. as our transaction with Iran is 100 % complete and fully signed”Earlier, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei clarified that “Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will be allowed along a pre-determined route by Iran.” He added, “If the maritime blockade of Iran’s ports continues, Iran will take reciprocal measures,” and said, “Iran is the guardian of the Strait of Hormuz and will show leniency where necessary.”
