Europe may agree to tolls for maritime traffic in Strait of Hormuz — newspaper

Lead

European governments are reportedly warming to the idea of paying a fee for ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports cited by TASS. The potential payments, which would be voluntary, are part of a broader discussion on how to manage the strategic waterway amid ongoing tensions. A similar proposal has been drafted by Oman in cooperation with UK lawyers, and Oman's government is reportedly ready to send legal experts to Tehran for detailed talks.

Coverage Comparison

TASS, citing Bloomberg, reported that some leading European countries now accept that ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz will have to pay fees to Iran and Oman. The report said Europe has not yet formalized its position, as the United States continues to press for free passage through the strait. European countries are also pushing for an international maritime coalition to help clear mines in Hormuz, according to the same report.

In a separate TASS report citing The Guardian, European governments believe that any payment should be regulated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) of the United Nations. The Guardian was quoted as suggesting a precedent in the Strait of Malacca, where, although no official tolls are imposed, national governments and private corporations make voluntary contributions to special funds to compensate for coastal countries' costs of patrolling the strait and protecting its environment.

Both reports, as relayed by TASS, agree on the core idea that Europe is considering voluntary payments. However, they differ in specifics: Bloomberg's report focuses on the acceptance of fees to Iran and Oman and notes the lack of a formalized position, while The Guardian's report emphasizes the IMO regulation and the Omani proposal.

Key Claims

• According to TASS, citing Bloomberg, some leading European countries now accept that ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz will have to pay fees to Iran and Oman. The report notes that Europe has not yet formalized its position, as the United States continues to press for free passage.
• European countries are also pushing for an international maritime coalition to help with clearing mines in Hormuz, as reported by Bloomberg via TASS.
• TASS, citing The Guardian, reports that European countries do not mind paying a fee for crossing the Strait of Hormuz in the form of a voluntary contribution. They believe the payment should be regulated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
• The Guardian, as cited by TASS, reports that a similar proposal has been drafted by Oman in cooperation with UK lawyers, and that the government of Oman is ready to send its legal experts to Tehran for a detailed discussion about the initiative.