Iran Threatened with Rejection of Strait of Hormuz Toll Fees by UN Maritime Body

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has warned that the world must reject any attempts by Iran to charge tolls for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping chokepoint. In an interview with Al Jazeera, IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim stated that the world should not accept Iran's demands to impose fees on vessels transiting the strategic waterway.

Lim emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway, and no single country should be allowed to unilaterally control access or charge tolls. "The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping route, and the world cannot allow Iran to restrict or tax passage through it," he said. "This would be a direct violation of international maritime law and set a dangerous precedent."

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The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow channel that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean. It is one of the world's most important oil chokepoints, with an estimated 20% of global oil supply passing through the waterway each day. Any disruption to shipping in the Strait could have severe economic consequences globally.

Iran has previously threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz in response to US sanctions and military pressure. The country's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has also conducted naval exercises and drills in the area, showcasing its ability to potentially disrupt or impede shipping.

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Lim warned that the IMO and the international community would not accept any Iranian attempts to levy tolls or restrict passage through the Strait. "This is a vital international waterway, and Iran does not have the right to unilaterally control or tax it," he said. "We will work with our member states to ensure the free flow of maritime commerce through the Strait of Hormuz."

The IMO chief's comments come amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the West, particularly the United States. The US has a significant naval presence in the region, and has vowed to ensure the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.

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Experts say that any Iranian attempt to close or disrupt the Strait of Hormuz could provoke a major military confrontation with the US and its allies. They warn that such a move would have catastrophic economic consequences globally, as it would severely disrupt oil and trade flows.

Lim emphasized that the IMO and the international community are committed to upholding the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and will not tolerate any Iranian attempts to restrict or tax passage through the vital waterway.