Tehran [Iran], March 26 (ANI): The conflict in West Asia has put heavy strain on a key shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz. A new Lloyd’s List report indicates Iran’s IRGC has effectively set up a “toll booth” regime in the strait.
According to the report, vessels are being required to submit full documentation, obtain clearance codes and accept IRGC-escorted transit through a single controlled corridor. Lloyd’s List Intelligence data indicate that since March 13, 26 vessels have used a pre-approved route under this vetting scheme. No transits have been tracked via the “normal” route using Automatic Identification System data since March 15.
India’s Shipping Ministry earlier dismissed reports of any proposed toll or levy on ships transiting the strait as “baseless,” reiterating that the passage is governed by international conventions guaranteeing freedom of navigation. Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha said no charges can be imposed on ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz under global regulations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday that Iran has permitted passage for friendly countries, including India. The Iranian Consulate General in Mumbai posted that passage has been allowed for nations such as China, Russia, India, Iraq and Pakistan.
As of Thursday, at least five vessels destined for India had safely transited the strait; two vessels, Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, are expected to dock by the end of the week.
On March 25, Iran’s mission in New York said “non-hostile vessels,” including those belonging to or associated with other states, may—provided they do not participate in or support acts of aggression against Iran and fully comply with declared safety and security regulations—benefit from safe passage in coordination with Iranian authorities. The Iranian Defence Council has also stated that transit of “non-hostile vessels” now depends on prior coordination with Iranian officials.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged reopening the strait, warning that prolonged closure is choking movement of oil, gas and fertilizer at a critical moment for global planting, and calling for an immediate end to the war to minimize its consequences.
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