Fees should be charged for maritime services provided in the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday.
He made the remarks at a weekly press conference in response to a question about whether fees for maritime services had been discussed during negotiations between Iran and Oman on the designation of a new route in the waterway.
“Generally, when you provide maritime services, you must be reimbursed for them,” Baghaei said.
“At this stage, we do not discuss such details,” he said, adding that the discussions were continuing and “certain technical points” will be discussed.
Baghaei said the negotiations between Iran and Oman “are being held smoothly and constructively,” noting that mechanisms would be established to ensure safe shipping, address environmental issues, provide maritime services and combat crimes in the strait.
Under a potential agreement to be reached between the two sides, the existing northern and southern routes in the strait would be replaced by an intermediate one, he said, adding that the new route would be used temporarily until Iran and Oman agree on a new traffic separation scheme
