ISTANBUL

Malaysian vessels can transit the Strait of Hormuz free of charge, said the Iranian ambassador in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.

"We received information from Malaysia's foreign minister that several Malaysian ships are in the Persian Gulf and want to pass through," Mohammadi Nasrabadi told local daily New Straits Times on Monday.

At least seven Malaysian-owned vessels are scheduled to pass through the strait, with Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan stating on Saturday that the tankers were awaiting clearance to complete their journey.

"We have considered this, and InshaAllah they will pass. It is no problem, as Malaysia is a friendly country, and friendly countries can use the strait," he said.

"Of course (Malaysian ships are free to pass). We will not charge," he responded when asked whether Malaysian vessels would be subject to toll fees.

Valiollah also stressed that the Strait of Hormuz "is not closed. It is restricted for some, not all."

"If you attack Iran, you cannot use this strait. But we did not close it," he added.

Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke also confirmed the development on Tuesday.

"We are a friendly party and we have good diplomatic relations with the Iranian government. The ambassador has said that no toll is being imposed on Malaysian vessels," he said during a news conference.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global trade and energy, has been heavily disrupted since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran late last month, prompting Tehran to retaliate with strikes on US-linked bases in at least six Gulf nations.