LONDON — In a strong statement on Thursday, the United Kingdom’s leading diplomat dismissed Iran’s initiative to impose tolls on vessels navigating through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized that this critical maritime route is an international thoroughfare, and therefore, principles of free navigation must be upheld.
“Countries cannot simply hijack those kinds of international transit routes and unilaterally apply tolls,” Cooper stated during an interview with the BBC. “They cannot do that as part of the laws of the sea and the United Nations arrangements.”
President Donald Trump of the United States had recently indicated that Iran’s ten-point proposal, which includes a toll of $2 million per ship, could serve as a foundation for a lasting ceasefire agreement. However, he has not explicitly opposed Iran’s toll collection plan and has even suggested the possibility of a “joint venture” to oversee its implementation.
U.K. calls for open waterways and critiques rhetoric
In her address set for Thursday evening, Cooper will reaffirm her stance that the Strait should remain open, insisting that the freedom of the seas “must not be unilaterally withdrawn or sold off to individual bidders. Nor can there be any place for tolls on an international waterway,” she will stress.
Cooper further articulated the importance of maritime freedom, saying it is a “principle that applies right across the globe, and it’s crucial for the cost of living back here at home. It’s crucial for the global economy.”
Middle East tensions and diplomatic efforts
In a separate discussion earlier on Thursday, Cooper condemned the language used by Trump regarding the ongoing conflict, labeling it as “completely wrong.” She warned that such “escalatory rhetoric can have escalatory consequences,” highlighting concerns about the potential for increasing tensions.
Meanwhile, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is currently visiting the Middle East, advocating for Lebanon’s inclusion in the ceasefire negotiations, despite ongoing heavy Israeli military actions in the region. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh has accused Israel of committing a “grave violation” of the ceasefire agreement during a BBC interview on Thursday morning, although he refrained from confirming whether Iran would withdraw from the talks.
“We are very much focusing on the wellbeing of the whole Middle East,” Khatibzadeh remarked, asserting that Iran is “focused on getting this done” as it aligns with their “national interests.”