Iran's new version for charging fees for environmental services in the Strait of Hormuz 🔹 The head of...

Iran's new version for charging fees for environmental services in the Strait of Hormuz 🔹 The head of the International Affairs Center of the Department of Environmental Protection announced that a regulation for charging fees for environmental services from passing ships in the Strait of Hormuz has been sent to the government and stated that the cost of these services will be determined based on the type of ship, the nature of the cargo, the vessel’s history, and its environmental risk level. 🔹 Khorsand, head of the International Affairs Center of the Environmental Protection Organization, discussed the legal basis of this plan, stating that according to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and related treaties, the legal regime of "innocent passage" for vessels in the territorial waters of countries is defined, and according to these regulations, certain actions can be deemed violations of the principle of innocent passage and allow the coastal state or neighboring state of the strait to claim that "this principle has been violated." In such cases, if the health, safety, and environment of the coastal state are endangered, it can take necessary legal measures under international law to protect its environment and interests. 🔹 If innocent passage is violated, the coastal state can intervene in the passage of ships and charge fees for the services it provides. In this regard, two separate categories are considered: health damages and environmental damages. 🔹 The main issue is that ensuring the security and sustainability of maritime traffic requires specific actions and payment of related costs. The security of the Strait of Hormuz has been, is, and will continue to be the responsibility of the Islamic Republic of Iran.