Iran said it will again charge ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz once the 60-day period of "free passage" ends.
On the 17th (local time), Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of the parliament who is leading the Iranian negotiation team, said in an interview with state TV, "The Strait of Hormuz will not return to its prewar status," adding, "(When the 60 days of free passage end) ships will have to pay service expense in accordance with international law and navigation rules."
Ghalibaf said, "Iran has sovereign rights over the Strait of Hormuz and will receive fair compensation for the services we provide," and argued, "The enemy has foolishly awakened Iran's capacity to leverage the Strait of Hormuz."
The remarks came amid uncertainty over how the toll system for the Strait of Hormuz will be set after the 60-day main negotiation period ends. Clause 5 of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on ending the war released by the United States that day states, "Iran will make its best efforts to ensure that merchant ships traveling between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman can transit safely for 60 days without bearing expense."
The MOU also says, "Iran will consult with relevant countries, including Oman, to define the future management framework of the Strait of Hormuz and issues related to maritime services." Accordingly, there is a possibility that Iran will reassert control over the Strait of Hormuz after the 60-day negotiation period ends.
Iran's stance runs counter to U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated position that "the Strait of Hormuz will be completely open and no tolls will be imposed."