EU Rejects Trump’s “Joint Venture” With Iran To Introduce Pay-To-Pass System In Strait Of Hormuz, Calls It Illegal

The European Commission has rejected any plan to charge ships for passing through the Strait of Hormuz, saying such fees go against international maritime law.

At the same time, it said companies can decide for themselves whether to pay or not.

A Commission spokesperson said that international law clearly allows freedom of navigation, meaning ships should not be required to pay any toll to pass through a shipping lane.

The spokesperson added that the Strait of Hormuz, like other major sea routes, is a shared global passage and must remain open for all.

The response came after Donald Trump suggested creating a “joint venture” with Iran to introduce a system where ships would pay to pass through the strait. He said the idea could help secure the route.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later said the proposal is still under discussion, but the main focus right now is to reopen the shipping lane without any restrictions, including tolls.

The situation in the Strait of Hormuz has remained tense since US-Israeli strikes began on 28 February. Iran has been maintaining tight control over the waterway, which has affected global supply chains and pushed up energy prices.

Although a ceasefire was announced earlier this week, the strait was closed again after Israel carried out fresh strikes on Lebanon, which Iran said went against its version of the agreement.

The White House has disagreed with that claim and said Lebanon was not part of the deal.

Ship movement through the strait is still limited. Data shows that only a few vessels have managed to pass in recent days. Around 2,000 ships and 20,000 seafarers are currently stuck in the Persian Gulf.

Iran is also reported to be charging ships based on the oil they carry, asking for $1 per barrel. Payments can be made in Chinese yuan or cryptocurrency, which avoids Western financial systems.

The European Commission said both the US-Iran proposal and Iran’s reported fee system are not acceptable. It said they go against the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which does not allow countries to charge ships just for passing through a strait.

Fees are only allowed if a specific service is provided, such as port use or maintenance.

Even though the United States and Iran have not officially signed UNCLOS, its rules are widely followed as standard international practice.

The Commission said the final decision on whether to pay such fees rests with shipowners and companies, who must consider their own business interests.

European countries are discussing ways to improve security in the area, but no clear plan has been announced yet.

Iran continues to see control of the strait as an important advantage and is unlikely to ease its position unless there is a response from the United States.

References: wtxnews, euronews