New Delhi: Despite a two-week ceasefire between Iran and the US, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains a mystery. According to reports, Iran is charging $2 million in tolls from some ships transiting through the Strait of Hormuz. India is said to be maintaining free and safe passage through the route. This has become a point of contention during the US-Iran talks in Pakistan.
How much toll is Iran charging?
Alaeddin Boroujerdi, a member of the National Security Committee of the Iranian parliament, told the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) that $2 million in shipping fees are being charged from some ships transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, which shows Iran’s power. The Strait of Hormuz has been closed to oil and gas ships since the Iranian attack on February 28.
Is Iran also charging India?
After US President Donald Trump announced a temporary ceasefire, India said it had not discussed the casualties with Iran. Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have also received reports of tolls being collected in the Strait of Hormuz. India has been demanding free and safe passage of ships through this route. We have maintained the same view earlier.”
Even before the ceasefire, there were reports of Iran charging fees. However, Iran, as a friendly country, has allowed India to transit through this route. This raises the question of whether India paid transit fees to Iran to allow its ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The central government has denied that any such payments were made to Iran.
