Iran’s Claim of Environmental Fees in the Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s recent assertion that it has the legal right under international law to collect environmental fees from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz adds a new dimension to the already tense geopolitics of the Gulf. The Strait, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes, carries nearly one‑fifth of global oil supplies and has long been a focal point of disputes over sovereignty, navigation, and security.  

According to Arman Khorsand, head of the Department of Environment’s Center for International Affairs and Environmental Conventions, Tehran views the proposed charges not as transit tolls but as environmental and maritime service fees. Iranian officials argue that the revenue would be directed toward marine protection and navigational services, framing the initiative as a legitimate environmental measure rather than a political or economic weapon.  

Iran’s position rests on its claim that the Strait of Hormuz falls within its territorial waters. By emphasizing this sovereignty, Tehran also contends that it is not bound by certain provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which generally restricts states from imposing fees on vessels exercising the right of innocent passage. This interpretation, however, is contested internationally, as many countries view the Strait as an international waterway where freedom of navigation must be preserved.  

The proposal highlights a broader strategy: Iran is attempting to reframe its control of the Strait in terms of environmental stewardship, while simultaneously reinforcing its sovereign authority. Critics argue that such fees could be a disguised form of economic leverage, potentially disrupting global trade routes and energy markets.  

Ultimately, Iran’s claim underscores the intersection of environmental policy and geopolitics. Whether seen as a genuine effort to protect marine ecosystems or as a strategic maneuver to assert control, the move is likely to intensify debates over international law, maritime rights, and regional stability in one of the world’s most critical waterways. 

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