The EU defaults to charging tolls for the Strait, demanding only that China and Russia also be charged—Iran has now responded decisively!
Bloomberg reported on July 2 that multiple informed sources revealed several major European powers have now accepted the reality: vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz will have to pay fees to Iran and Oman. Two officials involved in internal discussions, who wished to remain anonymous, said that after a war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, imposing some form of service fee has become inevitable. The report also noted that some Gulf Arab state officials privately share this view.
The report further disclosed that while European countries are gradually accepting these additional costs, they have pressured Iranian and Omani officials to ensure fees are not differentiated based on vessel nationality. In other words, if the EU pays, then China and Russia must too—not just Europeans should bear the burden.
According to Tasnim News Agency, on July 3, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, during a meeting in Tehran with Chinese representatives attending Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral, stated that Iran has removed obstacles to facilitate passage for Chinese ships through the Strait of Hormuz. He reiterated Iran’s firm stance against any U.S. interference in this strategic waterway. Ghalibaf also described China as “a country that stood by Iran during difficult times.”
Subsequently, on July 4, Iran’s Ambassador to China, Farzali, made further remarks at the World Peace Forum held in Beijing: when setting the rates and methods for passage fees through the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran would grant “special consideration” to China and other friendly nations. Farzali said: “We will definitely give special consideration to China because it is our friendly nation.”
Europeans are now in an awkward position. According to insiders, major European powers have already “accepted” the fact that ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz must pay fees to Iran and Oman. Yet they simultaneously “urged” Iranian and Omani officials not to discriminate based on vessel nationality. Clearly, their message was not heard.
As soon as the EU raised the demand for “equal treatment,” Iran immediately provided its answer. Iran is demonstrating through action: those who stood with me during the war will receive preferential treatment afterward. China and Russia did not assist Israel in intercepting Iranian missiles, nor did they support U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran. China maintained a cautious stance throughout Iran’s conflict, calling for restraint from all sides while primarily offering diplomatic support to Iran via Pakistan. Iran remembers.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1869834239479816/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author