UN Maritime Chief Rejects Toll Proposals for Strait of Hormuz
The head of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has declared that any attempt to impose tolls on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz would be illegal under international law, as diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran continue amid heightened tensions in the region.
Arsenio Dominguez, the IMO Secretary-General, made the remarks in an interview with Al Jazeera, saying, “Countries do not have the right to introduce tools or payments or charges on these straits.” He added, “Any introduction of tolls is something that is against international law.” Dominguez also called on the international community to reject such measures, warning that they would set a dangerous precedent for global shipping.
In a separate interview with El Pais, Dominguez elaborated that “the right to freedom of navigation in straits is not up for debate and is not a subject of negotiation for the IMO.” He noted that “there are no legal grounds for imposing tolls in the strait” and stressed that any proposal must comply with international law, including submission jointly with Oman, as required for straits used for international navigation.
Speaking to reporters in London, Dominguez reiterated that “the freedom of navigation is not negotiable for IMO” and that “no country has the right to obstruct the traffic on a straight for international navigation.” He cited the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention and international customary law as the legal basis for his position, saying, “There is no legal basis for the introduction of any tax, any customs or any fees, on straights for international navigation.”
The IMO chief also confirmed that he maintains communication with Iranian officials on the matter. “I engage with all the countries of the region, and that includes Iran,” he said, noting that responses are not always immediate.
Background: US-Iran Conflict and Diplomatic Efforts
The statements come against the backdrop of a conflict that escalated on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched a military campaign against Iran, according to reports from both Al Jazeera and Russian state news agency TASS. Major Iranian cities, including Tehran, were attacked, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced a large-scale retaliatory operation against Israel.
In response, Iranian authorities closed the Strait of Hormuz to ships associated with the US, Israel, and countries supporting the aggression, a move that has raised concerns about global shipping and energy supplies. Al Jazeera reported that only 22 ships with their automatic identification system turned on exited the strait between the start of the truce and Friday, highlighting the impact on maritime traffic.
Dominguez expressed concern for the welfare of seafarers affected by the situation, telling Al Jazeera that some 20,000 seafarers have been stranded in the Gulf due to what he described as an effective blockade of the strait.
Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict have been ongoing. On April 11, Iran and the United States held several rounds of talks in Islamabad, with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and US Vice President JD Vance leading their respective delegations. Both sides later reported that they were unable to reach an agreement on a long-term settlement, citing contradictions. US Vice President Vance said Tehran had not accepted Washington’s terms, including that Iran would not pursue nuclear weapons, and that the US delegation had departed Islamabad after presenting their “final and best offer.” Iran’s Press TV attributed the failure to the US side’s “excessive demands.”
US President Donald Trump has floated the possibility of a “joint venture” with Iran for collecting payments for transit through the strait, a proposal that Dominguez’s comments appear to directly contradict.
The US imposed a naval blockade on Iran on April 13, further escalating tensions, according to TASS.
Legal and Procedural Considerations
Dominguez clarified that while Iran has the right to submit proposals regarding the strait, any such proposal must follow established legal procedures. “Iran has every right to submit a proposal and justify its necessity, but it must be submitted jointly with Oman, as this is precisely what international law requires,” he told El Pais.
The IMO chief emphasized that the principle of freedom of navigation is fundamental to international law and must be upheld by all states. His remarks were also delivered in a formal address to the UN Security Council on the topic of “The safety and protection of waterways in the maritime domain,” where he stressed, “The principle of freedom of navigation is not negotiable. Ships must be allowed to trade worldwide unhindered and in accordance with international law.”
The situation remains fluid, with the prospects for further dialogue between Tehran and Washington unclear. The international community is closely watching developments in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil and gas shipments.