Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tuesday the current agreement allows ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz free of charge for only 60 days, according to a televised interview with the state-owned Tasnim News Agency.
Ghalibaf said regional countries and Persian Gulf coastal states sought the temporary arrangement. He added that the provision mainly applied to vessels that were already in the area when the conflict began and the strait was closed.
Iran and Oman hold sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, while shipping through the waterway operates under arrangements determined by Iran in consultation with Persian Gulf coastal states, Ghalibaf said.
He added that Iran will not surrender its rights over the strategic waterway under any circumstances.
Ghalibaf said the removal of oil sanctions means Iranian crude will be sold at prices 20% higher than before, with the proceeds deposited into bank accounts. He added that Tehran remains prepared to respond if the US fails to honor its commitments.
Ghalibaf said the Strait of Hormuz delivers greater strategic value when commercial traffic continues expanding. He warned that Iran intends to impose restrictions on the US and Israel while ensuring shipping activity through the waterway continues to grow.
Iran also wants to demonstrate that security in the Strait of Hormuz continues improving, Ghalibaf said. He added that stronger security should eventually lower marine insurance costs for vessels using the route.
The parliament speaker said commercial vessels and Iranian oil tankers resumed operating through the Sea of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz after the naval blockade ended. He described the blockade as a violation of both human rights and the ceasefire.
Iran has exported more than 40 million barrels of oil since the sea blockade was lifted, Ghalibaf said.
Iran's Foreign Ministry did not immediately reply to' request for comment.