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Ceasefire fails to reopen Strait of Hormuz
Global tanker operators have been advised not to pay Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, despite a ceasefire agreed earlier this week that has yet to restore normal shipping traffic.
Iran's demands raise concerns
Tehran has indicated that vessels must seek its approval to transit the strait or risk being "targeted and destroyed." Iranian officials have also suggested imposing fees for safe passage, a proposal that has drawn sharp criticism from the shipping industry.
Phillip Belcher, a representative of Intertanko-a group advocating for independent tanker operators-called the demand for tolls "astonishing" and contrary to international maritime law. "We do not believe the payment of tolls is the right way to go about this," he told the BBC.
Diplomatic efforts intensify
U.S. Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to meet Iranian government representatives in Islamabad on Saturday to clarify terms of the ceasefire, which appears increasingly fragile. The talks follow continued airstrikes in Israel and Lebanon and an impasse over the strait, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies.
Belcher emphasized that Intertanko, which represents over half of the world's oil tanker fleet, continues to advise members to avoid the strait. "An attack could take place at any time," he warned. "The strait is not safe until there is a lasting cessation of conflict and a coalition-led oversight mechanism to ensure free passage."
Legal and security risks highlighted
Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which oversees much of the country's economic activity, has been designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. and EU. Belcher stressed that paying fees to the IRGC would effectively fund a banned group. "The payment of monies to a terrorist organization should be avoided," he said.
Reports suggest Iran may seek up to $2 million (£1.5 million) per vessel, with revenues shared between Iran and Oman, the two nations bordering the strait. U.S. President Donald Trump initially floated the idea of joint fees but later reversed course, stating on social media: "They better not be [charging fees], and if they are, they better stop now."
Global supply chains at risk
Arsenio Dominguez, secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), reiterated that international law guarantees freedom of navigation through straits like Hormuz. "No tolls or restrictions should be imposed," he told the BBC.
Since the conflict escalated, tanker traffic through the strait has plummeted. Only 15 vessels have transited since Tuesday, compared to an average of 140 per day before the war. The blockage has stranded nearly 800 ships in the Gulf, disrupting a fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies. Analysts warn of cascading effects on fuel, electricity, food, and medicine prices if the impasse persists.
Industry calls for guarantees
Erik Hanell, CEO of Swedish tanker firm Stena Bulk, stated his company would not risk using the strait until safety guarantees are in place. "We need assurances," he said. "There are discussions between the U.S., shipping communities, and possibly Iran, but we lack clear information."
Hanell ruled out paying tolls, comparing such fees to charging for passage through the English Channel. "That's not a world we want to continue with," he said. "It's something we want to avoid long-term."
