TEHRAN, May 25 (ANI) — The Iranian navy announced that a fleet of 32 vessels successfully crossed the strategic Strait of Hormuz after “obtaining permission with the coordination and security of the IRGC Navy,” according to a report by the semi-state Tasnim news agency.
Tasnim reported that the convoy included oil tankers, container ships, and other commercial vessels.
The controlled transit comes amid continued restrictions on maritime traffic through the vital waterway, with Iranian authorities maintaining tight oversight of vessel movements in the region.
Under the current system, officials from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) are reportedly reviewing individual clearance requests to permit select vessels to pass through the chokepoint.
Questions have emerged regarding the financial and regulatory conditions attached to these approved crossings.
Addressing the issue Monday, Iran said it is “not seeking” to impose tolls on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The clarification followed reports alleging that the Islamic Republic was collecting fees from ships using the strategic route.
Speaking at a weekly press briefing, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei denied that Iran was imposing “tolls” but acknowledged that services related to maritime safety and environmental monitoring could involve associated costs.
“We are not seeking to collect tolls; the actions of Iran and Oman to develop a protocol for the safe passage of ships are a responsible step,” Baghaei said, according to Iranian state media outlet Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).
“It is natural that, in this process, the services provided and the protection of the environment require a fee,” he added.
Baghaei said Iran is working with Oman to establish a formal mechanism to ensure the safe passage of ships through the Strait and described the joint maritime safety initiative as a “responsible step.”
He added that both Iran and Oman support the use of the Strait of Hormuz for “free trade and safe passage” while emphasizing the importance of addressing regional security concerns.
Defending the heightened security measures, Baghaei alleged that the waterway had previously been “misused” against Iran through military actions, an apparent reference to the US naval blockade on Iranian ports.
“We must also consider our own security and pay attention to the concerns of the global community. Iran and Oman believe in using this strait for free trade and safe passage,” Baghaei said.
“What happened was the misuse of this Strait for military aggression against Iran,” he added.
Baghaei also highlighted a recent visit by Iran’s deputy foreign minister to Oman, where discussions focused on establishing a formal maritime transit framework for the Strait of Hormuz.
“Every responsible country welcomes the creation of this mechanism,” he said.
The diplomatic coordination with Oman comes as Tehran moves to formalize oversight of the strategic waterway.
Last week, Iran announced the launch of a new regulatory authority to oversee and monitor operations related to the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council reposted a message on X stating that the official account of the “Persian Gulf Strait Authority” (PGSA) had become operational.
The PGSA, introduced earlier this month, has been described as a mechanism for governing maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
“In the Name of God. The official X account of the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (#PGSA) is now live. Follow us for real-time updates on the Hormuz Strait operations and latest developments,” the authority said in its statement.
The move signals the formal establishment of a dedicated body overseeing operations related to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes for global oil and energy shipments. (ANI)
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