Iran divides countries into three categories based on use of Strait of Hormuz — TV

RABAT, April 4. /TASS/. Iranian authorities have developed a system for managing shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring passage for vessels from different countries depending on the level of their relations with Tehran, Qatar’s Al Jazeera reported. According to the TV channel, under Iran’s scheme, all states are divided into three categories: "hostile," "neutral," and "friendly." Countries in the first group will be prohibited from using the Strait of Hormuz, ships from "neutral" states will be subject to high fees, and "friendly" states will be granted the right of free passage through the strait. Tehran has not provided a complete list of the three categories; however, according to Al Jazeera, virtually all Arab countries in the Persian Gulf are classified as "neutral" or "hostile" states. Under Iran’s plan, these states will either have to pay "substantial fees" or be completely barred from passing through the Strait of Hormuz.