Iran says it is not charging “tolls” to ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, and instead charges a “certain fee” for services and environmental measures. At a press briefing, Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, says the fees are allocated for navigational services and efforts to protect the environment of the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf, and the Sea of Oman. Baghaei reiterates that the charges “should not be described as tolls or duties.” The comments come amid growing international concern over Iran’s increased control over maritime transit through the strait, a key chokepoint for global oil shipments linking the Persian Gulf to the wider ocean. The Hindu notes that Iran’s statement is being closely watched as tensions around the passage of vessels through the region continue. Taken together, the outlets report Iran’s position that the charges are framed as service-related and regulatory in nature, rather than as payment for passage.