Iran plans to allow ships through the Strait of Hormuz based on 'friendliness' level
Iran plans to divide all countries into three groups — "hostile", "neutral" and "friendly" — and decide who can pass through the Strait of Hormuz based on this classification, Al Jazeera reported .

Illustrative image. Photo: Indranil Aditya/NurPhoto via Getty Images
According to this idea, ships from "hostile" countries, including the USA and a number of Western states, will be prohibited from passing. "Neutral" countries will be able to pass, but only after paying a duty. "Friendly" countries will get the opportunity of free passage without restrictions.
At the same time, Iran has already allowed the passage of merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid and essential goods. This applies to ships heading to Iranian ports or already nearby, in the waters of the Gulf of Oman.
In addition, information has appeared that Iranian military structures are offering ships a paid "safe passage". For this, ship owners must first submit detailed information about the vessel, cargo, and crew through an intermediary. After that, the Iranian side checks for any connections with countries deemed hostile. If everything is in order, price negotiations begin. For oil tankers, the base price is about one dollar per barrel.
After payment, the ship is issued a special code and instructions. It must sail under the flag of the intermediary country, and sometimes even re-register. Upon entering the strait, the crew reports the code, and the ship is escorted by patrol boats.
It is also reported that Iran uses a peculiar "rating" of countries: the favorable terms a vessel receives depend on it.
Earlier, it was reported that Iran is charging a fee for passage through the strait, which can reach up to two million dollars. The authorities explain this by the fact that the war requires significant expenses. However, such actions contradict the principle of freedom of navigation.
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