The International Maritime Organization (IMO) of the United Nations has called on Donald Trump to clarify his announcement regarding the reinstatement of a naval blockade on Iran and the imposition of a 20% fee on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The UN shipping agency made clear that it opposes the imposition of fees on vessels using international maritime straits, following the US president’s announcement about reinstating the blockade.
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The UN maritime body also stressed that it is awaiting further details, after the US president stated in a social media post that Washington is reinstating the naval blockade against Iran and will collect a 20% fee on all cargo transiting through the Strait of Hormuz.
Shipping industry officials raise concerns over US blockade of Iran
Trump wrote in a Truth Social post that the process would begin immediately, without providing further details. “We are aware of the post and are awaiting more details,” said a spokesperson for the UN’s International Maritime Organization.
“We have always been consistent in our position on transit fees. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is firmly opposed to the charging of fees for passage through straits used for international navigation. There is no legal basis under which mandatory fees can be introduced simply for transiting a strait,” the statement read.
Shipping industry officials voiced concern over the latest developments, adding that in their view such a move would violate international law.
“How would this make passage there any safer, and what guarantees would it offer?” said one official, who asked not to be named, in response to Trump’s post.
