Ships to pay for passage as Iran tightens control over Hormuz

TEHRAN: Iran has announced a new control system for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which is being described as a significant development amid tensions in the region.

Speaking to Russian media, Ebrahim Azizi, the head of the Iranian parliamentary National Security Committee, said that every ship passing through the Strait of Hormuz will have to pay a fee under the new system.

He said that the government will establish full control and effective management of this important sea route in line with national interests, while also expressing distrust of the United States.

On the other hand, Iran’s Deputy Oil Minister Mohammad Sadeq said that work is underway to restore oil refining capacity affected by the US and Israeli attacks. He said that it is expected that 70 to 80 percent of production capacity will be restored within the next two months.

He added that part of the Lavan refinery may resume operations in the next 10 days, which is expected to gradually improve oil production.

According to experts, the Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global oil shipments, and any new policy or restriction here could have profound effects on the global economy and energy markets.

Iranian Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that despite Iran entering negotiations in good faith, a lack of trust in the United States prevented progress during the recent talks in Islamabad.

In a statement issued after the negotiations, Ghalibaf said Iran had made it clear beforehand that while it was willing to engage constructively, past experiences, including two wars, had created deep mistrust toward the opposing side.

He noted that members of the Iranian delegation presented forward-looking proposals during the talks. Still, the US side ultimately failed to build the confidence required for a breakthrough in this round.

“America has understood our logic and principles, and now it must decide whether it can earn our trust,” he said, emphasizing that trust remains the key obstacle in moving forward.

Ghalibaf stressed that diplomacy remains an important tool alongside other means to safeguard Iran’s national interests, adding that Tehran would continue efforts to protect the gains achieved during what he described as 40 days of national defense.

He also expressed gratitude to Pakistan for facilitating the negotiations, calling it a “friendly and brotherly country,” and extended his regards to the Pakistani people for their support.

The statement comes after marathon talks between Iran and the United States in Islamabad ended without a final agreement, with both sides acknowledging progress on some issues but remaining divided on key points.