The United Nations maritime organization warned Thursday that charging fees for vessels navigating through the vital Strait of Hormuz would establish a harmful precedent and nations must not obstruct maritime passage rights.
The toll concept has been discussed by Iranian authorities following this week’s two-week ceasefire arrangement between the United States and Iran.
“There is no international agreement where tolls can be introduced for transiting international straits. Any such toll will set a dangerous precedent,” a spokesperson with the UN’s International Maritime Organization said.
The IMO member nations have adopted the UN Convention on the Law of the Seas, known as UNCLOS, which establishes regulations governing international navigation through straits.
“According to UNCLOS, ships enjoy the right of transit passage through international straits. States bordering straits shall not hamper that right or suspend the transit passage,” the IMO spokesperson said.
