Qatar says temporary Hormuz transit fee possible to restore shipping

Qatar has opposed the idea of imposing a permanent transit fee on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, though it remains open to discussing a temporary charge if it helps resume navigation through the vital maritime route. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Qatar’s deputy prime minister said Doha does not support long-term tolls on vessels using the Strait of Hormuz. However, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani said that a short-term levy could be negotiated if it assists in restoring shipping activity through Hormuz, a crucial corridor for global energy exports. Before the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, nearly one-fifth of the world’s energy supplies moved through the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway was effectively shut down after Iran responded to the attacks. The US has also placed a blockade on Iranian ports to stop its vehicles from exporting oil. Trump says US pursuing ‘great deal’ with Iran, warns of action if talks fail