JAKARTA - Iran must cancel all plans to impose transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz and keep transit open for all, said the head of the European Union's foreign policy, Kaja Kallas, on Friday.
"Under international law, transit through waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz must remain open and free," Kallas said in a post on X, launching Al Arabiya from Reuters (17/4).
"Any scheme of payment for transit will create a dangerous precedent for global maritime lanes. Iran must cancel any plans to impose transit fees," he said.
Kallas added that Europe would play a role in restoring free energy and trade flows after a ceasefire in the region took effect.
Meanwhile, in a separate post on X, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU could help by sharing satellite data and by strengthening the Aspides naval mission currently operating in the Red Sea.
Last month, member of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee Alaeddin Boroujerdi said the Mullah's State had established a "new sovereignty concept" over the strait after 47 years by planning to charge 2 million US dollars to certain ships to pass through the strait.
"Collecting 2 million US dollars as transit fees from several ships crossing the strait reflects Iran's strength," Boroujerdi said, quoted by Anadolu.
Since early March, Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to most vessels, a key oil transit route that typically handles around 20 million barrels per day and about 20 percent of global liquefied natural gas trade.
The closures, which were caused by Israeli and US attacks on Iran and caused tensions in the region, have increased shipping and insurance costs, pushed oil prices higher, and raised global economic concerns.
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