Iran working on Hormuz ‘protocol’ to cover ‘costs’, says Deputy Foreign Minister Gharibabadi

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, attending the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi (May 14–15, 2026), stated that Iran is working ...

What Happened

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, attending the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi (May 14–15, 2026), stated that Iran is working on a "protocol" with Oman for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Under the proposed framework, Iran and Oman would charge merchant ships "service fees" for navigational assistance, rescue operations, and related maritime services; charges would vary based on cargo volume and vessel size.
At the BRICS FM meeting, Gharibabadi indicated that a neighbouring country — also a BRICS member — is blocking consensus on a joint statement, reportedly seeking a condemnation of Iran over the ongoing conflict.
Iran welcomed any Indian peace initiative to de-escalate the West Asia crisis, and called on BRICS nations to collectively resist unilateral sanctions and economic coercion.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi separately arrived in India for a three-day visit, underscoring the diplomatic significance of New Delhi's engagement in the crisis.

Static Topic Bridges

Strait of Hormuz — Geography and Strategic Importance

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, bordered by Iran to the north and the Musandam Peninsula (an Omani exclave) to the south. At its narrowest, the strait is approximately 33–39 km wide, making it one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints. Roughly 20% of the world's oil trade and a significant share of global LNG passes through it annually.

Located between Iran and Oman; only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to open ocean.
Approximately 20% of global seaborne oil trade transits the strait each year.
India imports around 85% of its crude oil needs; a substantial portion arrives via the Persian Gulf through Hormuz.
The strait carries approximately 17–20 million barrels of oil per day at peak volumes.

Connection to this news: Iran's proposed "protocol" for service charges at Hormuz directly affects global energy supply chains, and India — as a major oil importer — has an acute interest in keeping the strait open and free from arbitrary levies.

UNCLOS and the Right of Transit Passage

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS, 1982) governs navigation rights through international straits. Article 37 of UNCLOS defines international straits used for navigation between the high seas, and Articles 38–44 establish the right of "transit passage" — a right that cannot be suspended. Under this regime, all vessels (commercial and military) have the right to pass through international straits freely, continuously, and without delay. Iran is not a signatory to UNCLOS but the transit-passage provisions are widely regarded as customary international law binding on all states.

UNCLOS came into force in 1994; India ratified it.
Transit passage under UNCLOS cannot be suspended even for warships.
Iran's 1993 domestic maritime law conflicts with UNCLOS by requiring prior permission for warships and nuclear-powered vessels.
Iran's proposed "protocol" raises questions about compatibility with the international transit-passage regime.

Connection to this news: Iran's plan to charge vessels for Hormuz passage is legally contested — critics argue it conflicts with the customary international law right of transit passage, while Iran frames it as a service charge for navigational assistance rather than a toll on passage itself.

BRICS — Composition, Expansion, and India's Chairmanship

BRICS was established as BRIC in 2009 (inaugural summit, Yekaterinburg), with South Africa joining in 2010. In 2024, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE formally joined as full members effective January 1, 2024 (Saudi Arabia's status remains pending formal confirmation). Indonesia became a full member in January 2025, bringing current membership to eleven countries. India holds the BRICS chairmanship in 2026.

Founded: 2009 (BRIC), renamed BRICS in 2010 after South Africa's accession.
2024 expansion: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE joined January 1, 2024; Saudi Arabia's status remains under consideration.
Indonesia joined as the 11th full member in January 2025.
India chairs BRICS in 2026; the FM-level meeting in Delhi (May 14–15) is a key diplomatic event.

Connection to this news: Iran's participation at the BRICS FM Delhi meet highlights its use of the bloc as a platform to rally Global South solidarity against Western sanctions. The internal tension over a joint statement — with one member reportedly blocking condemnation of Iran — reflects the geopolitical fault lines within an expanding BRICS.

Key Facts & Data

Strait of Hormuz width at narrowest: approximately 33–39 km (Iran to Oman's Musandam Peninsula).
~20% of global oil trade and significant LNG volumes transit Hormuz annually.
India imports ~85% of its crude oil; Persian Gulf routes via Hormuz are critical.
BRICS FM Delhi meeting: May 14–15, 2026; India holds the 2026 BRICS chairmanship.
Iran's proposed Hormuz "protocol" is being developed jointly with Oman; details on the fee structure are not yet finalised.
Iran's FM Araghchi visited India for three days beginning May 13, 2026.
UNCLOS Article 37–44 codifies the right of transit passage through international straits; Iran is not an UNCLOS signatory.