**Title: Iran’s China Envoy Promises Special Treatment for Friendly Nations in Strait of Hormuz**
**Date: July 5, 2026**
Iran’s ambassador to China, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, announced that ships transiting the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz will incur new service fees, although "friendly" countries, including China, will receive “special considerations” regarding these charges. This declaration was made during his address at the World Peace Forum in Beijing.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial maritime route, with approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies passing through it during peacetime. The announcement comes in the wake of a recent agreement between Iran and the United States aimed at reducing hostilities, which allows commercial vessels to transit the strait without charges for an initial period of 60 days. The future of tolls and fees after this period remains uncertain, particularly as the U.S. has stated that Iran will not be allowed to impose such charges under any final agreement.
Ambassador Fazli emphasized that while Iran intends to charge service fees for the passage of vessels, these fees should not be categorized as tolls. He explained that the new arrangements are focused on ensuring the security of maritime passage, overseeing vessel movements, and addressing environmental concerns associated with the high volume of shipping traffic in the strait.
Fazli also highlighted the collaborative efforts between Iran and Oman in managing the strait, noting that the two countries have formed a joint committee to oversee the strategic waterway. He characterized the situation in the Strait of Hormuz as a “security issue,” particularly in light of recent military conflicts involving the U.S. and Iran, which have heightened tensions in the region.
The ambassador's remarks come at a time when geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East are shifting, particularly with the ongoing negotiations around Iran's nuclear program and its implications for regional security. The U.S. has maintained a naval blockade on Iran's southern ports since April, aiming to curb Iranian oil exports, which has further complicated the situation in the strait.
As discussions continue regarding the long-term management of the Strait of Hormuz, the implications of Iran's new fee structure for international trade and energy markets remain to be seen. The strait's significance as a global energy corridor underscores the potential impact of any changes to its operational policies.