Iranian MP and member of parliament’s national security committee, Alaeddin Boroujerdi, has claimed that the country has charged some vessels with $2 million for safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz as it remains closed amid war with Israel and the United States.

Boroujerdi called it the start of a new approach to control over the waterway. The reports of a new approach had surfaced on the 19th day of war, when Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi hinted that the Islamic regime would change its policy on the Strait of Hormuz and a new protocol would ensure the safe passage under the 'specific conditions', based on the Iranian and the regional interests.

Boroujerdi said that the measure has already been implemented by Tehran, and it reflected a new "sovereign regime" in the strait after decades.

Transit fee to sustain war costs

He also hinted that the alleged royalty was imposed to finance the ongoing war. Boroujerdi, according to a report by Iran International, said, "Now, because war has costs, naturally we must do this and take transit fees from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz," adding the move shows Iran's "authority."

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Strait open to all but 'enemies': Iran

The Iranian lawmaker's claim comes as Tehran confirmed that the strait remains open for all but 'enemy-linked', apparently Israel, the US and their allies.

"We are ready to cooperate with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to enhance maritime safety and protect seafarers in the Gulf. Ships not linked to Iran’s ‘enemies’ can transit the strait by coordinating security and safety arrangements with Tehran,” Reuters quoted Ali Mousavi, Iran's permanent representative to the IMO, the UN’s maritime agency and ambassador to the UK as saying.

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Trump's ultimatum

Ali Mousavi made the remarks in response to US President Donald Trump's 48-hour ultimatum to Tehran to open Hormuz.

"If Iran doesn't fully open, without threat, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 hours from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various power plants, starting with the biggest one first!" he declared in a social media post.