Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iran has sovereign rights over the Strait of Hormuz as a coastal state overlooking the strategic waterway.
Ghalibaf said the Strait of Hormuz “will not return to what it was before”, but stressed that Iran does not intend to act in violation of international law.
He added that Iran has sovereign rights in the strait and that it is natural for the country to charge fees for services provided to vessels passing through it, clarifying that these are service fees rather than tolls.
Ghalibaf also said that Article 13 of the memorandum of understanding stipulates that commitments will be implemented on a “step-for-step” basis.
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He stated that the memorandum includes provisions related to reconstruction and development, adding that the United States does not acknowledge itself as the aggressor in order to avoid paying compensation.
According to Ghalibaf, the memorandum also provides for the establishment of a $300 billion investment fund.
He further said there are no legal barriers under Iranian law preventing American companies from operating or investing in Iran.
Ghalibaf added that the memorandum formally recognises Iran’s right to receive payments for services provided to ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
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