Iran Has Said It Will Seek To Collect Fees For Passage Through The Hormuz Strait. Maritime Groups Are Asking The UN To Stop It.

Leading ships associations are urging the UN to prevent Iran from charging tolls for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that it would lead to higher costs for consumers and undermine the principles of free navigation.

In a letter also address to the International Maritime Organization, the group that freedom of navigation "should be non-negotiable."

"The ability of merchant ships to navigate international waterways safely, predictably and without unnecessary impediment is fundamental to resilient supply chains, economic stability and energy security," it adds.

The groups went on to say that introducing fees would also "represent a significant departure from established international practice," which could "undermine the internationally recognized legal framework governing straits used for international navigation and transit passage."

"Once such a precedent is established, it becomes increasingly difficult to resist similar
measures elsewhere, creating uncertainty for international shipping and global commerce," the groups claim, also warning that such impositions could lead to "higher energy prices, higher inflation, and higher economic uncertainty."

Iran has repeatedly expressed willingness to charge fees for passage, but it is unclear whether the current discussions regarding passage through the waterway would involve such tolls.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on Thursday that an "understanding" between Tehran and Oman about navigation was close to being finalized, with Tehran saying that "old routes no longer meet the current difficult conditions that have jeopardized the national security of the Islamic Republic of Iran."

Reuters reported on Tuesday that Tehran is seeking to control inbound shipping through the Hormuz Strait and have oversight over outbound traffic.

Citing regional sources familiar with the matter, Axios detailed that the deal sets up a 60-day deal between Oman and Iran in the waterway. All inbound traffic would go through Iranian waters, while outbound traffic would go through Omani waters in coordination with Tehran.

No tolls or fees would be charged during that period, and parties would work to clear mines in the median lane within 30 days. After the median waterway is cleared, it would be used for both inbound and outbound traffic under a permanent deal to be negotiated between Iran and Oman.

Progress was apparent on Monday after the U.S. removed sanctions from entities tied to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Reuters detailed in another report that the U.S. ​Treasury Department's ​website no longer shows sanctions on two aircraft and three airlines tied to the powerful group in the country.