Guwahati, Aug. 24 -- Iran has announced that vessels from countries authorised to transit the Strait of Hormuz will have to pay service fees to Tehran.

Iran's National Security Commission spokesperson Ebrahim Rezaei said the charges would cover various maritime, environmental and logistical services provided in the strategic waterway.

According to Iran's state broadcaster, the decision follows the approval of the Article 3 Strategic Action to Ensure the Security and Progress of the Strait of Hormuz plan. Rezaei said the payment system would include flexible financial arrangements.

The announcement comes as tensions between Iran and the United States continue to escalate. Earlier, Iran's Secretary of the Supreme National Security Counci...