European governments are studying a plan that could allow voluntary navigation fees in the Strait of Hormuz, a proposal aimed at easing a dispute over one of the world’s most sensitive shipping corridors after renewed U.S.-Iran fighting.
The plans under review would allow fees only if they are not compulsory and have backing from the United Nations agency that oversees maritime transport. British Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said compulsory tolls would be disastrous, while other officials said payments for specific navigation services already exist in some natural waterways, The Guardian reported.
U.S. officials are pressing Iran to make a public statement that the strait is open and that ships using the corridor will not be attacked. They have blamed internal divisions in Tehran for problems in reaching and honoring a deal.
Oman has developed a proposal with British lawyers that adapts parts of the Strait of Malacca system to Hormuz. Iranian state media said Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi would travel to Oman on Saturday for talks focused on the waterway and “shipping safety.”
At a meeting of the International Maritime Organization in London, Omani delegate Khamis bin Mohammed Al Shamakhi said international law “does not support the imposition of transit fees” on vessels passing through Hormuz. He said Oman was open to voluntary arrangements linked to navigation support, safety, environmental protection and emergency preparedness.
Qatar also pushed back against any arrangement that would give Tehran control over passage through the strait. Foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari warned against “agreeing to be hostages” to any faction seeking control of the route.
Russia and China did not back a proposed motion condemning Iran over attacks on shipping. Russia said the text ignored the roots of the crisis, while China said it went beyond the IMO’s mandate.
Diplomats are now trying to determine whether Tehran wants vessels to use a northern route close to Iran or to seek permission before using a southern route through the strait.
