European nations are currently engaged in discussions with Tehran regarding maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s state television reported this development today, Saturday.
Without specifying any particular country by name, the state television report stated: “Following the passage of vessels from East Asian nations—specifically China, Japan, and Pakistan—we received information today that European nations have also initiated discussions with the naval wing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in an effort to secure permission [to traverse the strait].”
Since the commencement of attacks by the United States and Israel on February 28, Iran has largely halted shipping traffic through this vital strait. A fragile ceasefire between the two sides has been in effect since April 8.
Iran’s control over this maritime route has destabilized global markets and placed Tehran in a significantly advantageous position. Conversely, the United States has maintained a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
Under normal circumstances, approximately one-fifth of the world’s total output of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG)—along with various other critical commodities—is transported through this very maritime route.
In a statement, the IRGC noted: “Following agreements regarding Iran’s protocols for managing the [Hormuz] Strait, we have, in recent days, granted passage to dozens of vessels from various nations—including China.”
Since the outbreak of hostilities, Iran has repeatedly asserted that shipping traffic through this strait “will not revert to its pre-war status.” Last month, Tehran announced that it had received its first revenue earnings from the tolls or fees it has imposed on vessels utilizing the strait.
Today, Saturday, Ebrahim Azizi—the Head of the National Security Commission of the Iranian Parliament—stated that Iran has established “a professional framework” to regulate transit through the strait, the details of which “will be unveiled shortly.” Azizi stated, “Only commercial vessels and parties cooperating with Iran will benefit from this process.” He further added, “Necessary fees or charges will be collected for specialized services.”
The United States had undertaken an initiative—dubbed “Operation Freedom”—to escort stranded commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Alluding to this, Azizi remarked that the strait would remain closed to those conducting the so-called “Operation Freedom.”
