BAGHDAD — Iraq’s National Security Advisor, Qasim al-Araji, categorically denied reports that specialized tariffs or transit fees are being imposed on Iraqi maritime commercial cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz, calling the claims “entirely baseless and fabricated.”
Al-Araji confirmed that Tehran has completely exempted Iraq from its regional maritime border enforcement procedures. The clarification follows the successful arrival of the MV KSL XINYANG, the first direct commercial vessel from China to cross the Strait of Hormuz and dock at Umm Qasr without facing any administrative or financial bottlenecks.
Writing on X, al-Araji stated: “Iran has previously declared that Iraq is completely exempted from transit enforcement measures within the Strait of Hormuz. Any ongoing discussion regarding Iraq paying transit fees is a false claim that is completely devoid of truth.”
The maritime security environment remains highly volatile. The naval wing of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for a targeted strike against a Panama-flagged, Swiss-operated commercial vessel in the Khor Al-Zubair waterway on June 1. The IRGC confirmed it struck the MSC Sariska using an anti-ship cruise missile, alleging the container ship was directly linked to American and Israeli commercial interests.
The IRGC said the cruise missile strike was executed as a direct retaliatory countermeasure following a previous US military operation against the Iranian-flagged vessel Lian Star in the Gulf of Oman. The statement concluded with a warning that any future American military maneuvers in regional waters would be met with “decisive, proportional retaliation.”
Iraq’s denial comes amid heightened regional tensions as the Iran-US conflict enters its 99th day. The MV KSL XINYANG’s safe passage through Hormuz represents a rare positive signal for regional maritime commerce, though shipping insurers continue to charge war-risk premiums on vessels transiting the Persian Gulf.
Written by Layla Hassan, Middle East & North Africa Correspondent