Amid heightened tensions in West Asia and continued disruption in maritime traffic through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, Iran on Monday asserted that Indian-flagged vessels transiting the chokepoint have not been subjected to any tolls, while lauding New Delhi as a “reliable and compassionate partner” during the ongoing crisis.Addressing a press conference in the national capital, Iran’s Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali expressed gratitude to both the Indian government and its people for their support during what he described as a “difficult time” for Tehran.“I believe the people of India have demonstrated that they are truly reliable and compassionate partners in times of hardship,” Fathali said, also thanking the Indian government for facilitating necessary arrangements and the Indian media for “showing the real situation” in Iran.In a significant clarification amid global concerns over shipping disruptions and reports of coercive measures in the Gulf, the envoy categorically stated that Indian ships had not been charged any fees for safe passage.“You can ask the Indian government if we have charged anything up to now,” he said, directly addressing speculation following statements by US President Donald Trump about blocking vessels allegedly making payments to Iran.India has consistently denied paying any tolls to secure the exit of its vessels, including tankers carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), through the strait since hostilities escalated in the region.Highlighting the depth of bilateral engagement, Fathali pointed to sustained high-level contacts between New Delhi and Tehran, including multiple conversations between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, as well as frequent interactions between the two countries’ foreign ministers.“We have good contact with the Indian government. Our foreign minister has named India among the countries we consider friends,” he said, emphasising what he described as shared interests and a “common fate” in the region.The envoy also underlined the historical and cultural linkages between the two nations, stating that the relationship had enabled close coordination during the ongoing crisis.At the same time, Fathali presented a grim account of the humanitarian toll of the ongoing conflict, claiming that over 3700 people had been killed and more than 30,000 injured in the past 40 days, including a significant number of women and children. He also alleged widespread damage to civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, transport networks and energy facilities.He accused the United States and Israel of carrying out extensive strikes on civilian targets — including medical centres, educational institutions and cultural sites.The remarks come against the backdrop of a deepening geopolitical standoff following the collapse of US-Iran talks and Washington’s announcement of a potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz — a move that has triggered global concern given the waterway’s critical role in energy supplies.