Iran on Monday firmly denied charging transit fees to Indian oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, at the heart of escalating tensions in the region. This clarification comes after indirect accusations from the US president. Donald Trump, which threatened to block ships making payments to Tehran.
Speaking in New Delhi, Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Fathali rejected the allegations, calling on Indian authorities to confirm that no payments had been demanded so far. "You can ask the Indian government if we have charged anything," he said at a press conference.
Indian authorities have also repeatedly denied paying any tolls to allow their ships to leave the area. According to New Delhi, nine oil tankers carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) recently transited this strategic waterway without payment, despite the disruptions caused by the conflict.
However, the situation remains tense: India claims that 15 ships flying its flag are still stranded in the Persian Gulf, highlighting the ongoing difficulties in the region. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery for the country's energy supply, with nearly half of its oil and LPG imports passing through it.
Despite these tensions, the Iranian ambassador emphasized the strength of relations between Tehran and New Delhi, referring to "common interests" and a "shared destiny." This statement aims to reassure as the risks of escalation in the Gulf continue to fuel uncertainty in global energy markets.
In the context of confrontation between Washington and Tehran, the question of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz remains more than ever at the center of international concerns.
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