BRIC Team reports: Iran has provided “free of charge services” to international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz for decades but is now working on a “protocol” to include a financial component covering costs it incurs to make navigation safe in the Persian Gulf region, said the country’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi in New Delhi on Wednesday (May 13, 2026).Speaking to a select group of journalists at the Embassy of Iran, Mr. Gharibabadi, who is here for the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting, avoided naming the UAE directly and said “a neighbouring country that is also a member of the BRICS” is thwarting a joint statement at the meeting by trying to introduce language that seeks to condemn Iran’s military strategy against U.S.
In Iran’s holy city of Qom, Indian volunteers serve sharbat amid war fears and protests“So far, Iran has provided free of charge services in the Strait of Hormuz. In fact, these services were provided by both Oman and Iran. Now we are working on a protocol and arrangement covering navigation, pollution of the Strait and rescue (in case of accidents).
Background
The protocol has not been finalised yet and we are working at expert level,” said Mr. Gharibabadi.He said that though the arrangement will be “non-discriminatory”, Iran will not cooperate with countries that are found to be supporting the U.S. He accused the two countries of starting the war on February 28 amid negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear capabilities.Mr.
Key facts
- In Iran’s holy city of Qom, Indian volunteers serve sharbat amid war fears and protests“So far, Iran has provided free of charge services in the Strait of Hormuz.
- In fact, these services were provided by both Oman and Iran.
- Now we are working on a protocol and arrangement covering navigation, pollution of the Strait and rescue (in case of accidents).
- The protocol has not been finalised yet and we are working at expert level,” said Mr.
What this means
Gharibabadi assured that the Strait of Hormuz will remain open to ships linked to India, but said marine traffic will be affected if the U.S. resumed its attacks on Iran. He said Iran is not a member of 1982 UNCLOS (UN Convention of the Law of the Sea) and can go ahead with its “protocol” on the chokepoint.
Gharibabadi’s remarks came just days after U.S. President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s proposals calling them “totally unacceptable”.Mr. Gharibabadi said that “Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz without preconditions, but the U.S.
