Iran Clarifies Maritime Charges Amid Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Position on Shipping Fees

On Monday, Iran made it clear that vessels navigating through the Strait of Hormuz will not incur any toll fees. Instead, the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, stated that charges would be associated with maritime and environmental services. He refuted claims that transit tolls had been imposed on commercial ships, explaining that the fees are linked to services provided in the Persian Gulf region. Baqaei emphasized that the necessary navigational services and environmental protection measures in the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf, and the Sea of Oman justify the collection of certain fees.

This clarification comes in response to reports indicating that Iran had started demanding payments from some commercial vessels amid rising regional tensions and disruptions in maritime trade. This situation arises as diplomatic discussions intensify, with US President Donald Trump mentioning that a potential agreement between Washington and Tehran to resolve ongoing conflicts is now largely negotiated, raising hopes for a de-escalation in the region.

Increased Military Oversight in the Strait

Concerns Over Iranian Control

A recent investigation revealed that Iran has heightened military surveillance in the Strait of Hormuz, implementing island checkpoints, stricter vessel inspections, and controlled shipping routes. The report indicated that some vessels had been asked to pay fees related to navigation and security services. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical shipping lane, responsible for nearly 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. The prospect of additional costs or restrictions on this route has caused unease in global energy markets.

Since tensions escalated earlier this year, shipping activity through the strait has faced significant challenges. Reports indicate a sharp decline in vessel traffic following Iran's introduction of stricter transit controls and increased military oversight. Prior to the escalation, approximately 125 to 140 ships traversed the strait daily, but this number has dwindled significantly. Iran has also mandated that commercial vessels coordinate their transit with Iranian authorities.

Numerous governments and shipping firms, including those from the United States, have voiced concerns regarding navigation restrictions and potential transit fees in this international waterway. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled any proposed toll system in the strait as "unacceptable." However, Iran maintains that as a coastal nation with territorial waters in the Strait of Hormuz, it possesses the legal authority to regulate activities in the area. The Iranian government has established what it calls the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), which shipping companies can use to request permission for passage through the strait. Tehran has also released updated maritime maps indicating areas where it intends to assert control. Mohsen Rezaei, a military advisor to Iran's supreme leader, claimed that Iranian management of the strait would "end 50 years of insecurity in the Persian Gulf," according to state media.

International Law and Navigation Rights

What Does International Law Say?

International maritime law grants coastal states certain rights over their territorial waters, including the regulation of shipping routes and environmental protections. However, legal experts assert that countries cannot obstruct what is termed "innocent passage" through international straits. Hossein Esmaeili, an associate professor of international law, explained that while coastal states can regulate navigation, they cannot impose direct transit tolls. He noted that coastal nations have the right to manage innocent passage through their waters, even when those waters are part of international straits. Esmaeili added that states can regulate shipping lanes, navigation systems, and pollution controls under maritime law. He remarked that while countries might suggest charges for environmental contributions, these should not be classified as tolls.