Image for representation purposes only The Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran, Kazem Gharibabadi, has defended Iran’s decision to introduce a service fee on vessels passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, while stating that India is a ‘friend’. “For India, a friendly country, we have allowed the passage of 11 vessels. We are working to allow some more vessels,” he told the media. He added that Iran allowed Indian ships to pass through as a friendly gesture, but Iran does not give the same treatment to other countries that have sided with the U.S. He also expressed gratitude for the aid sent from India amidst the ongoing crisis and confirmed that ships transiting the Hormuz would be charged based on transparency and international standards. He also criticised the U.S for failing to reach an agreement by adding that Iran offered a balanced deal and was ready to discuss the aspects of its nuclear program; however, Iran rejected U.S demands, which stated that Iran’s Uranium must be sent to America. “This is not negotiation; this is dictation… Why should we do this?” he said. When asked about Iran’s posture if war resumed, he said that Iran’s stance is clear that they will defend the country with all their capabilities. He spoke to media reporters on the sidelines of the BRICS meet, chaired by India, and said that the Hormuz is open to traffic, but Iran is just introducing a fee for the services it will provide to ships transiting the waterway. These would include navigation services, pilotage, rescue services, etc., and the ships will be charged for these based on 3 principles, which are transparency, non-discrimination, and in line with international standards. When asked about imposition of tolls in the waterway, he said, “Fees to transit are not accepted under international mount law. We are not going to impose a transit fee.” Without giving much detail, he simply added that Iran is currently working on a protocol arrangement and what services it will exac