New Delhi, March 23: The Embassy of Iran in India has strongly denied reports claiming that Iran is charging vessels USD 2 million for passing through the Strait of Hormuz, calling such claims “unfounded.”
In an official statement, the embassy clarified that these allegations do not reflect the position of the Iranian government and are based on misinterpretation of individual remarks.
Embassy Rejects Levy Claims
The Iranian mission stated that reports suggesting a levy on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz are inaccurate. It emphasized that such statements are not part of any official policy.
According to the embassy, the claims stem from personal views expressed by certain individuals and should not be treated as the government’s stance.
Reports Trigger Confusion
Earlier, some media reports attributed comments to Iranian lawmaker Alaeddin Boroujerdi, suggesting that merchant vessels might be charged for safe passage through the strait.
However, Iranian authorities have clarified that these remarks were personal opinions and not endorsed by the state.
Rising Tensions in the Region
The clarification comes amid heightened tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel. The situation escalated after Donald Trump issued warnings regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran had earlier threatened to close the critical waterway if its energy infrastructure comes under attack.
Strategic Importance of Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most vital energy corridors, handling a significant portion of global oil and gas shipments.
Any disruption or policy change affecting this route can have serious implications for:
- Global energy supply
- Oil prices
- International trade
Iran’s denial aims to calm concerns over shipping costs and trade disruptions in the region. However, ongoing geopolitical tensions continue to raise uncertainty around the future of the Strait of Hormuz.
