EU Urges Iran to Cancel Transit Fee Plans in Strait of Hormuz

The European Union is urging Iran to cancel plans to impose fees on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. This call was made by the EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas. “Under international law, transit through waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz must remain open and free,” Kallas wrote in a post on social media platform X, as reported by detikNews on Saturday (18/4/2026). “Any transit payment scheme would set a dangerous precedent for global maritime routes. Iran must cancel any plans to impose transit fees,” Kallas added. Kallas stated that Europe would play a role in restoring free flows of energy and trade once a ceasefire takes effect in the region. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said her side could assist through satellite data sharing and by strengthening the Aspides naval mission currently operating in the Red Sea. This was expressed by von der Leyen in a separate post on X. Iran is reportedly planning to impose fees of up to $2 million (Rp 34 billion) per ship passing through the Strait of Hormuz. According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, the funds would be allocated for Iran’s reconstruction, which has suffered damage from US-Israel attacks. Previously, Iran had effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz since the war began on 28 February 2026, with maritime tracking data showing only about 5% of pre-war shipping volumes managing to pass through. Several tankers have successfully transited, such as those from Pakistan and India, which negotiated with Iran to secure passage for some vessels.