Politico: Britain rejects tolls on Strait of Hormuz amid Iran proposal

The United Kingdom has rejected Iran’s proposal to impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, warning that international transit routes cannot be unilaterally controlled or monetised, Politico writes.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the key maritime passage must remain governed by freedom of navigation principles under international law.

“Countries cannot simply hijack those kinds of international transit routes and unilaterally apply tolls,” Cooper told the BBC. “They cannot do that as part of the laws of the sea and the United Nations arrangements.”

Her remarks came in response to proposals linked to Iran suggesting a toll of around $2 million per vessel transiting the strategic chokepoint, which handles a significant share of global oil shipments.

Donald Trump has previously said the United States could consider Iran’s plan as a basis for negotiations, while also floating the idea of a “joint venture” involving operations tied to the route.

In a separate intervention, Cooper said she would reiterate the UK’s position that the Strait should remain open and unrestricted, adding that freedom of navigation “must not be unilaterally withdrawn or sold off to individual bidders. Nor can there be any place for tolls on an international waterway.”

She also stressed the economic implications of maintaining open sea lanes. Cooper told the BBC the freedom of the seas is a “principle that applies right across the globe, and it's crucial for the cost of living back here at home. It's crucial for the global economy.”

The comments come as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is visiting the Middle East, with London continuing diplomatic efforts related to regional tensions involving Lebanon and Israel.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh, speaking to the BBC, accused Israel of undermining stability in the region and reiterated Tehran’s stance on ongoing talks.

“We are very much focusing on the wellbeing of the whole Middle East,” Khatibzadeh said, adding Iran is “focused on getting this done” as it's “within our national interests.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev