Iran has declared that ships from China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iraq, and Bangladesh can safely navigate the Strait of Hormuz, which remains closed to enemy nations, while its parliament is reportedly drafting legislation to impose a US$2 million "transit fee" on vessels passing through the strategic waterway. ADVERTISEMENT SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENTForeign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a state media interview that the US had forced Iran to demonstrate its control over the strait. With the area now considered a war zone, he said Iran has no reason to allow enemy vessels passage. Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported that Iran's parliament is drafting a bill to formalize a US$2 million transit fee for vessels seeking safe passage. Sources said the legislation, expected to be completed next week, aims to legally establish Iran's authority over the strait.

Source: The Standard March 27, 2026 16:17 UTC