Iran's Parliament Prepares Bill To Levy Fees On Ships Traversing Hormuz Strait

(MENAFN- Trend News Agency) ** BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 19.** A draft proposal is being developed in the Iranian parliament to introduce transit fees for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian MP Someyeh Rafiei told reporters, Trend reports.

Rafiei noted that if adopted, the initiative would require countries to pay fees to Iran to ensure the safe passage of their ships, including the secure transportation of energy and food supplies.

The MP noted that Iran possesses the capability to maintain security in the Strait of Hormuz.

Since no concrete agreement was reached in negotiations between the United States (US) and Iran over the nuclear program, the US and Israel began military airstrikes against Iran on February 28. In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Israel and US military facilities located in countries across the region, starting the same day.

On the first day of the air strikes against Iran, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and several high-ranking military officials were killed. On March 8, Iran’s Assembly of Experts elected Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s third Supreme Leader by majority vote.

From March 1 through March 5, the confrontation expanded further, affecting several countries across the Middle East.

According to information, the U.S. side suffered losses of 13 dead and more than 140 wounded.

The ongoing conflict has significantly threatened the region’s energy infrastructure and maritime transport. Oil prices have surged on global markets due to heightened security tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, prompting several countries to advise their citizens to leave the region.

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