Tanker companies are being urged not to pay any tolls or levies to Iran in exchange for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical shipping corridors.
Industry advisers are warning firms against complying with any Iranian demands for payment, cautioning that doing so could set a dangerous precedent and potentially legitimise what many Western governments view as unlawful interference with international maritime navigation.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, is one of the most strategically significant chokepoints in global shipping. It is estimated that a substantial portion of the world's seaborne oil trade passes through the strait each day, making it a vital artery for the global energy supply.
Tensions in the region have long made the strait a flashpoint for geopolitical disputes. Iran has previously threatened to close the waterway and has been accused by Western nations of harassing and seizing commercial vessels in the area, allegations Tehran has consistently disputed.
The advice to tanker operators comes amid ongoing concerns about the security of vessels transiting the region. Shipping companies face a difficult balancing act between protecting their crews and cargo while also resisting what critics describe as attempts by Iran to exert financial control over international waters.
Under international maritime law, nations generally do not have the right to charge foreign vessels for transit passage through internationally recognised straits used for navigation. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea provides protections for such passage, and any attempt to impose levies has been widely condemned by maritime authorities.
The guidance adds further strain to an already volatile situation in the Middle East, where commercial shipping has faced mounting risks in recent months. Governments and industry bodies are continuing to monitor developments closely and are urging operators to report any incidents or demands to the relevant authorities rather than comply with what they describe as coercive measures.
