Iran Announces Maritime Fee Plan for Strait of Hormuz Amid Tensions Over US Deal

Iran has announced plans to introduce a system of maritime fees for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a move that comes two months after the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States. The announcement follows a 60-day negotiation period triggered by the agreement, which was personally signed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Tehran, describing the deal as a historic victory over Washington, asserted that the strait is under its control and warned that a European naval mission to escort ships through the waterway would not be welcome.

The proposed fee system has drawn immediate criticism from regional powers. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud challenged the plan, arguing that the management of the strait was functioning effectively before the conflict, with no safety or environmental issues. He called for a return to the previous arrangement, rejecting any novel impositions resulting from the war. The UAE also expressed concerns, with Director of Policy Planning Muath Alwari noting that the UAE was the recipient of the most Iranian strikes during the conflict and emphasizing that its deepened engagement with Israel, a solid defense partner, would continue beyond the war.

The threats to the agreement come as a planned formal ceremony marking the signing of the MoU was cancelled. The cancellation means that the chief mediator, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, will not travel to Switzerland, a setback for Pakistan. US Vice-President JD Vance, however, said he still intends to travel to Switzerland but acknowledged uncertainty about the situation. Technical-level talks between the US and Iran are expected to proceed at the Bürgenstock mountain resort in Switzerland, focusing on implementing the 14-clause MoU, including lifting sanctions on Iran’s oil exports and ensuring free commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Separately, tensions persisted on the Lebanon-Israel border. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel will maintain a security zone in south Lebanon as long as its security needs require it, referring to over 600 square kilometers of Lebanese territory occupied by Israeli troops. Israel continues to adhere to the objective of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran insists that the deal requires full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, holding Trump accountable. Israeli drone attacks and artillery shelling continued, with Hezbollah claiming responsibility for attacks against Israeli forces in the Kfar Tebnit-Ali al-Taher area.