Tehran, Apr 19 (V7N) — Iran has said that ships willing to comply with new protocols and pay designated fees will be given priority to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, amid ongoing tensions in the region.

According to a report by CNN, a senior Iranian official stated that only a limited number of vessels will be allowed to transit the strait under current restrictions.

New transit conditions

The official said ships that quickly adhere to the newly introduced procedures and pay for security and safety services will be prioritized for passage. Vessels that do not comply or delay payment will be considered at a later stage.

Restrictions reimposed

Although Tehran had announced the reopening of the strategic waterway last Friday, it reimposed certain restrictions on Saturday. Iranian authorities cited the ongoing US naval blockade and what they described as “repeated violations” of a ceasefire agreement as the reason behind the move.

Global implications

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, carrying a significant share of global energy supplies. Any restrictions or disruptions in the passage of ships are likely to have immediate implications for international shipping and energy markets.

Analysts warn that the introduction of transit fees and limited access could further heighten uncertainty in global trade and fuel supply chains.

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