Iranian plan to impose Strait of Hormuz tolls risks 'shattering' rules of global trade
Any agreement that allows Iran to impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz would “totally shatter” the principle of freedom of navigation that has underpinned global trade for decades, maritime experts have warned. Hopes of a deal between the US and Iran have increased, but Tehran 's demand that it charge a service fee in one of the world's most important shipping routes would…
Maritime experts have expressed grave concerns that Iran's proposal to impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz would "totally shatter" the principle of freedom of navigation, which has been central to global trade for decades. The US and Iran are reportedly nearing a deal on sanctions relief in exchange for allowing toll-free passage, but Tehran's demand for a fee is seen as a significant obstacle.
Tom Sharpe, a maritime security expert, warned that accepting Iran's proposal would create a dangerous precedent, potentially leading other states to demand payment for ships in vital waterways. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) permits ships to pass through territorial waters without paying transit fees. If Iran's proposal is accepted, it could blur the distinction between international and commercially operated routes, undermining the existing legal framework.
Shipping associations have called the proposal a "toll in all but name" and warned that it could destabilize supply chains and increase insurance costs. The situation highlights the limits of the US's ability to guarantee maritime security in the region, as the recent Iran war has demonstrated.
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