Legal Debate Erupts Over Iran's Potential Tolls in Strait of Hormuz

Kathmandu. Iran's attempt to impose tolls on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, has sparked an intense international legal debate. This strait serves as the primary link between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, holding immense strategic importance as approximately 20 percent of the world's oil supply transits through this route.

Following recent conflicts involving the United States and Israel, Iran has been tightening its control over the waterway. Reports suggest that Iran has proposed a condition requiring vessels to pay fees for safe passage, although it remains unclear whether such charges are being fully enforced in practice.

The primary international legal framework governing this issue is the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which guarantees the right of "transit passage"—unimpeded navigation—through major international straits.

Under these provisions, vessels are entitled to transit such straits without obstruction and generally without the imposition of fees. While coastal nations may enforce certain regulations within their territorial waters, these rules do not explicitly grant the authority to impose tolls that hinder international navigation.

Although neither Iran nor the United States has formally ratified UNCLOS, many international legal experts consider its provisions to be customary international law. Iran may argue that it has long-standing objections to these rules and thus retains the right to levy charges, a stance that has been strongly opposed by the United States and several other nations.

Should Iran attempt to enforce such tolls, various measures could be taken to challenge the move, including bringing a resolution before the UN Security Council or initiating legal proceedings through bodies such as the International Court of Justice.

However, enforcing such decisions remains complex. Additionally, some nations may consider utilizing alternative maritime routes or implementing further economic sanctions on Iran as part of their strategic response.