Britain will “comprehensively reject” Iranian attempts to charge multimillion-dollar fees for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the Foreign Secretary has said.
Yvette Cooper chaired a meeting of more than 40 countries on Thursday, accusing Tehran of trying to “hold the global economy hostage” by restricting access to the vital waterway, which carries around 20 per cent of the world’s oil.
One vessel was reportedly charged $2million to pass through the strait, in what has been dubbed the “Tehran toll booth”.
Iran’s deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, has suggested Iran may continue to “oversee transit” through the route even after the conflict ends.
Following the talks, Ms Cooper said: “Iran is trying to hold the global economy hostage in the Strait of Hormuz. They must not prevail.
“To that effect, partners today called for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait and respect for the fundamental principles of freedom of navigation and the law of the sea.”
Ministers discussed using diplomatic pressure, including through the United Nations, to force Iran to allow free passage.
Under international law, the strait must remain open to global shipping under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said Iran was trying to ‘hold the global economy hostage’ by charging vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormzu
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Although Iran has not ratified the convention, it is widely considered binding under international norms.
While fees were not explicitly outlined, Mr Gharibabadi said vessels would be expected to “co-ordinate in advance with Iranian and Omani authorities”.
He added it was unrealistic for peacetime rules to apply during wartime.
Analysts estimate Tehran could generate up to $110billion (£85billion) annually if it continues to impose $2million transit fees.
The virtual meeting was attended by 40 countries who ‘called for the immediate and unconditional reopening’ of the key waterway
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Some countries, including Malaysia and the Philippines, say Iran has assured them their vessels will still be allowed through.
Donald Trump urged countries to “go and take the Strait of Hormuz yourself” on Wednesday, calling for European military intervention.
However, French President Emmanuel Macron warned reopening the route by force would be “unrealistic”.
“It would take forever, and would expose all those who go through the Strait to risks from the Revolutionary Guards but also ballistic missiles,” he said.
Some ships have been charged £2million to pass through the strait, while others, such as India’s Jag Vasant (pictured), have been able to pass through
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He added: “What we say from the beginning is that this strait must be reopened because it is strategic for energy flows, fertilisers and international trade, but that it can only be done in consultation with Iran.”
The French President’s intervention came as he travelled to South Korea for a state visit.
Omani officials have yet to comment on proposals for joint management of the strait.
