Iran has said that it has the legal right under international law to charge environmental fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. It argues that increasing pollution and damage to marine life in the Persian Gulf are serious concerns that need to be addressed.
According to an official from Iran’s Department of Environment, these proposed charges could be used to support environmental protection efforts.
The funds would help restore damaged marine ecosystems and reduce the harm caused by heavy shipping traffic and other activities in the area, including the presence of foreign military forces.
The official also explained that international maritime laws allow coastal countries to take steps to protect their waters. He said that this includes the right to regulate shipping activities and collect fees when needed for environmental safety and conservation purposes, especially in important and sensitive sea routes.
The proposal has created debate at the international level. Some experts and critics have raised questions about whether such fees would be legally valid under global shipping rules.
Others are also concerned about how these charges might affect international trade and the smooth movement of ships through one of the world’s most important oil and shipping routes.
Supporters of the idea believe that environmental protection in the region is necessary, as the Strait of Hormuz is a heavily used waterway and faces rising ecological pressure.
They argue that countries bordering the area should be allowed to take stronger action to protect their marine environment.
