Iran said that "except for belligerent countries, the strait has been opened"! "Non-hostile vessels" can pass through the Strait of Hormuz "in coordination with Iran"

# Long Yue

Source: Wall Street CN

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi stated that Iran is committed to achieving a **comprehensive ceasefire**, not merely a temporary truce. The Strait of Hormuz is open to all, and vessels may pass safely—*except for those belonging to belligerent nations*. Non‑hostile vessels can transit safely through the Strait after coordinating with Iranian authorities. Meanwhile, reports circulated that Iran was charging commercial ships up to $2 million in transit fees; the Iranian Embassy in India has denied this claim.

Iran has issued its latest statement on navigation rules in the Strait of Hormuz: **“The Strait is open—except to warring states.”**

According to Xinhua News Agency on March 24, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke by phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi at the latter’s request. Araghchi said Iran is committed to a comprehensive ceasefire, not just a temporary halt to fighting. The Strait of Hormuz is open to everyone, and ships can pass safely—but vessels from warring nations are excluded. He urged all parties to take steps that de‑escalate tensions rather than fuel conflict.

Wang Yi reaffirmed China’s principled position, stressing that all hotspot issues should be resolved through dialogue and negotiation, not by force. He called on all sides to seize every opportunity for peace and launch peace talks as soon as possible.

In further details revealed by media, Iran sent a letter to members of the **International Maritime Organization (IMO)** on Tuesday, March 24, clarifying transit conditions. The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated in the letter that **“non‑hostile vessels”** may pass through the Strait of Hormuz **“after coordinating with Iranian authorities.”** Foreign vessels are permitted to cross as long as they do not assist in aggression against Iran and comply with regulations set by the Iranian government. The letter noted that countries may enjoy safe passage by coordinating with relevant Iranian authorities.

The letter specified that vessels linked to the United States and Israel, as well as **“other parties involved in aggression,”** are **not eligible for innocent or non‑hostile passage**. Iran’s Foreign Ministry said it has taken **“necessary and proportionate measures”** to prevent aggressors and their supporters from using the Strait to advance hostile actions against Iran.

Shipping data shows approximately **3,200 vessels** are currently stranded in the Gulf region. Since the conflict erupted, at least **22 ships** have been attacked. Analysts note Iran has recently allowed a small number of vessels to pass through its territorial waters as a means of verifying ship identities.

## $2 Million “Toll”?

As transit rules for the Strait were clarified, rumors of Iran charging “tolls” gained traction.

Media reported Tuesday that Iran was temporarily imposing transit fees on some commercial ships passing through the Strait, with charges reaching up to **$2 million per voyage**. Citing Lloyd’s List Intelligence and informed sources, some vessels have reportedly paid Iran up to $2 million to secure safe passage.

Iranian lawmaker Mansour Alimardani revealed that the Iranian parliament is preparing new regulations to govern traffic in the Strait. He explained: **“Iran has always pursued a policy of international cooperation in the Strait of Hormuz, but pressure from illegal sanctions has prompted Iran to temporarily restrict cargo passage to demonstrate its ability to manage global energy transport.”**

He told Tehran’s Mehr News Agency the plan has two components: **“First, reciprocal action against countries that support U.S. sanctions on Iran; second, shifting transactions from the U.S. dollar to alternative currencies.”**

However, according to CCTV News, the Iranian Embassy in India explicitly denied on March 23 (local time) that Iran was charging vessels $2 million to pass through the Strait, calling the claim **“baseless”**.

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## Current Shipping Disruptions

Since the conflict erupted on February 28, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely disrupted.

An estimated **3,200 vessels** are currently stuck in the Gulf, unwilling to risk passage through the Strait, which narrows to just 21 nautical miles at its smallest point. At least **22 ships** have been attacked by Iran since the fighting began. SV Anchan, CEO of the U.S.-based Safesea Group, appealed: **“All governments must step up and help resolve this situation.”** The group’s vessel, *Safesea Vishnu*, was attacked on March 11 and is now **“beyond repair.”**

The international community has expressed grave concern over the situation in the Strait. According to CCTV News, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Tuesday he had spoken with U.S. President Donald Trump, and the two agreed to maintain communication to promote regional peace and stability. Modi emphasized that keeping the Strait of Hormuz **open, unimpeded, and secure is vital to the entire world**. India’s government also issued a statement Tuesday affirming that international law guarantees freedom of navigation, and no party may charge fees for using the Strait.

Kuwait has warned that blocking the Strait would trigger a **global domino effect**. French President Emmanuel Macron called on relevant parties to halt attacks on energy facilities in the Middle East and urged Iran to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

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