Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has drawn a sharp contrast between the free transit guaranteed through the Strait of Hormuz and the substantial tolls charged at other strategic maritime chokepoints, specifically citing the Suez Canal.
According to reports from Ekstrabladet and Hasht-e Subh Daily, Araghchi stated that various nations impose significant fees for passage through key routes, estimating that Egypt charges between $200,000 and $700,000 per vessel for transit through the Suez Canal.
The remarks underscore Tehran’s position that the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical, cost-free artery for global energy flows, a point of leverage as diplomatic negotiations continue.
The comments come as Brent crude prices retreat toward pre-conflict levels, reflecting market confidence that shipping through the Strait is normalizing.
Recent Handelsavisen coverage noted that Iran has formally agreed to guarantee free and open transit through the waterway, a key component of broader discussions with the United States.
This diplomatic framing coincides with reports that a draft agreement between Tehran and Washington includes the immediate reopening of the Strait and a temporary lifting of oil sanctions.