UK rejects tolls on Strait of Hormuz

Key Points:

• Britain's Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper rejected Iran's proposal to charge ships tolls for passing through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that it is an international transit route governed by freedom of navigation principles under international law.
• U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested using Iran’s 10-point plan, which includes a $2 million toll per ship, as a basis for a permanent ceasefire, even proposing a possible U.S.-Iran joint venture, a stance criticized by the UK.
• Cooper reaffirmed the UK's position that freedom of the seas must be upheld globally and opposed any unilateral tolls on international waterways, highlighting the importance for global trade and the cost of living.
• British Defence Secretary John Healey noted Gulf countries share concerns about tolls, warning that such a precedent could be exploited by other nations, while Cooper also criticized Trump’s escalatory rhetoric in the conflict.
• Amid ongoing Middle East tensions, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is advocating for Lebanon’s inclusion in the ceasefire talks, while Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister accused Israel of violating the ceasefire but remained committed to negotiations.