13/07/2026
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13/07/2026
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NEW YORK, Jul 13: The United Nations' shipping agency on Monday rejected the idea of charging vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose fees on cargo passing through the strategic waterway.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) said it was seeking further details on Trump's proposal to reinstate a naval blockade targeting Iran and charge the equivalent of 20% of cargo shipped through the strait.
"We are aware of the post and awaiting more details," an IMO spokesperson said.
The agency reiterated its long-standing position against transit charges in international straits.
"We have always been consistent on our stance on fees – IMO stands firmly against charging fees for passage through straits used for international navigation," the spokesperson said, adding that there is "no legal basis" for introducing mandatory tolls simply for passage through a strait.
Meanwhile, Iran's joint military command said it would not allow the United States to interfere in the management of the Strait of Hormuz and warned of a forceful response to any disruption of commercial shipping.
"The Islamic Republic's armed forces will respond forcefully to any disruption or insecurity caused by the US military to the passage of commercial vessels and oil tankers outside the designated route and without authorization from the armed forces," said Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters.
Zolfaghari added that the United States and any countries supporting its military operations would bear responsibility for "all insecurity and any expansion of the war in the region."
