00:00Iran's parliament is drafting a bill to impose fees on vessels seeking safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, according
00:07to state media reports.
00:09The Fars News Agency, citing an unnamed lawmaker, says that the plan will be finalized next week, a move that
00:16could give legal backing to Iran's control over the strait.
00:21Payments of up to US$2 million have reportedly been requested informally in exchange for passage through the strait.
00:29Crews are also being asked to provide detailed information on personnel, cargo and voyage plans.
00:35Shipping activity has remained limited since US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran began nearly a month ago.
00:41Only a small number of vessels have crossed the strait, most of them linked to Iran or China.
00:47The prospect of a formal toll coupled with assurances of safe passage is creating a dilemma for shipping companies.
00:54While many are keen to move stranded crews and cargo out of the Persian Gulf,
00:58concerns remain over security risk and potential sanctions exposure.
01:02Key maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz are typically governed by international law,
01:07which guarantees freedom of navigation.
01:09The Fars News Agency
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