Iran has allowed vessels from China, Russia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Iraq to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran has closed to the ships of enemy countries, especially the U.S. and Israel.
The Iranian Parliament is also drafting legislation to impose a US $ 2 million transit fee on ships passing through the critical maritime chokepoint.
According to sources, the legislation is likely to be completed by the coming week and would legally establish Iran’s authority over the Hormuz.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said during a media interview that the US had forced Iran to demonstrate its control over the strait.
He said that America thought that Iran was merely joking or it did not have the courage or resources to do it, but Iran did it, adding that the U.S. could not do anything to prevent the closure of Hormuz.
He added that the Hormuz Strait is not entirely closed, but is restricted for enemies and their allied countries.
Araghchi said that since the region is now considered to be a war zone, Iran has the right to prevent ships from enemy countries from transiting the Hormuz.
He mentioned 6 countries whose ships can pass through the Strait, since they decided to coordinate with the Iranian authorities.
The maritime industry had reported several informal payment arrangements via intermediaries, and this new law would merely institutionalise such practices.
