Iran has reportedly begun charging up to $2 million per ship for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
The payments, according to the report from Deutsche Welle, would be a breach of international maritime law.
This follows a recent statement from Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, denying that the Strait is closed, but adding:
“It is emphasized that vessels, equipment, and any capacities belonging to the aggressor parties, namely the United States and the Zionist regime, as well as other participants in this aggression, do not qualify as normal and non-hostile passage and will be dealt with in accordance with the legal framework arising from the hostilities, based on the decisions and measures of the competent Iranian authorities.”
Meanwhile, Chinese shipping company Cosco has said it is has resumed new bookings for general cargo containers for shipments to “Upper Gulf Countries”, including Iraq. These shipments will be made via the Bonded Land Bridge from either Khorfakkan or Fujairah Port to Abu Dhabi CSP, connecting to a Cosco feeder network for transshipment.
