More than sixty countries have united to oppose the imposition of tolls and fees on vessels navigating through international waters, responding to Iran’s efforts to charge ships for using key maritime routes. This declaration, revealed by the European Union (EU) on 9 October 2026, coincides with heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has claimed authority over shipping and has demanded payment for passage.

The pledge includes support from all EU member states alongside 33 additional nations such as Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Singapore. Its primary aim is to safeguard the principle of free navigation as enshrined in international law, while also cautioning against actions that could hinder the transit of commercial vessels through strategically important straits.

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, highlighted the importance of maintaining open maritime routes. She declared that international shipping ought not to be subjected to financial barriers or used as leverage for political gain. Her remarks on social media underscored a commitment from the fifty countries to reject fees and tolls on these vital sea routes.

Significance of International Straits

International straits are critical narrow waterways connecting larger seas and serve essential roles in global trade. These passages are a key means for transporting oil, natural gas, food, and various goods between nations. The Strait of Hormuz, in particular, is a significant choke point, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

Before the onset of military conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran on 28 February, approximately twenty per cent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas traversed the Strait of Hormuz. Disruptions in this area could cause significant repercussions on energy supplies, transport costs, and international supply chains, extending far beyond the Middle East.

The EU-backed declaration invokes the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to emphasise the need for lawful maritime practices. It explicitly states that countries should refrain from introducing unlawful fees and discriminatory practices that may obstruct legal navigation through these passageways.

Iran’s Claims and Shipping Disruptions

The declaration and international opposition come amid Iran’s assertion of control over the Strait of Hormuz, accompanied by calls for compensation for vessel access. Mohammadreza Naqdi, an adviser to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, has threatened to close certain transit routes that Iran deems illegal, particularly a southern passage near Oman.

Recent shipping data from the analytics firm Kpler has indicated significant disruptions, with only seven vessels crossing the strait on 6 October—marking the lowest recorded traffic since 23 July. Although the number rose to ten the following day, it remained below the usual volume of more than twenty vessels encountered earlier in the week.

Concerns over tanker attacks, security issues, and logistical challenges have further complicated shipping dynamics. While some oil exports have shifted to alternative routes, the situation has intensified diplomatic efforts aimed at normalising maritime traffic. However, a discrepancy between Tehran and Washington persists regarding the reopening of the waterway, with Iran’s security chief labelling the US response to Iranian conditions as inadequate.

Iran insists that the Strait will remain closed until its demands, which include ending hostilities, lifting the US naval blockade, and unlocking Iranian assets, are met. This ongoing stalemate reflects a complex interplay between maritime security and diplomatic negotiations in a turbulent region.

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