Iran's Parliament has approved a plan to charge ships in the Strait of Hormuz, amid rising tensions and reduced maritime traffic, reports the New York Times.
Iran's Parliament has approved an initial plan to charge ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil and gas flows, reports the New York Times.
Fars news agency stated that the measure was passed on Monday as traffic in the Gulf has slowed sharply amid the monthlong conflict. Normally, about 140 ships transit daily, but fewer than 150 tankers have crossed the strait in March, according to S&P Market Intelligence.
The toll plan comes as a Kuwaiti tanker was set ablaze in Emirati waters after what Kuwait's Petroleum Corporation described as an Iranian drone strike. Dubai authorities confirmed that the fire was contained and all 24 crew members were safe, with no oil leakage reported.
The vessel, identified as the Al Salmi, was carrying about two million barrels of crude, including Saudi and Kuwaiti cargoes. Tanker Trackers reported that the ship had completed loading a month earlier. The hull sustained damage, raising fears of a spill.
Iran did not immediately respond to reports of the attack. Kuwait's military stated it was dealing with hostile missile and drone strikes as the tanker incident unfolded.
Recent Iranian strikes have injured 12 US troops in Saudi Arabia and damaged radar systems at Kuwait International Airport. The attacks underscore Iran's continued ability to disrupt regional stability with missiles and drones.
UK Maritime Trade Operations reported logging 24 suspicious incidents in Gulf waters since February 28, when US and Israeli forces began attacking Iran.
Meanwhile, HRANA reported at least six civilians killed and 21 wounded in Iran on Monday, bringing the civilian death toll since late February to more than 1,500.
The Israeli military stated it was reviewing reports that UN peacekeepers in Lebanon had been harmed in recent clashes, stressing that the area was an active combat zone against Hezbollah.
