Iran to impose service charges on ships passing through Strait of Hormuz; National Security Committee approves bill

TEHRAN: Iran is planning to impose charges on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz after diplomatic efforts to end the conflict with the US failed to make progress. The National Security Committee of the Iranian Parliament has approved a bill to impose service charges on ships using the strategic waterway.

The charges are intended to cover services such as security and fuel for ships passing through the strait. Payments will be made in Iranian rials or another currency approved by Iran. However, the amount of the fee and when it will come into effect have not yet been announced. The bill will now be put to a full vote in Parliament.

Meanwhile, Iran has issued a strong warning to countries supporting what it describes as the US economic war against Tehran. Iranian national security chief Mohsen Rezaei said countries that join US economic sanctions against Iran would be considered enemies. Rezaei warned that such countries could face military and economic action. He also threatened to disrupt oil trade in West Asia and target ports, oil pipelines and other infrastructure in Gulf countries.