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On Monday, 60 countries supported a declaration in which they pledge to work to maintain freedom of navigation and oppose the imposition of transit fees in straits used for international navigation.
The declaration stated, "We support ongoing multilateral initiatives, of a defensive and non-escalatory nature, aimed at maintaining freedom of navigation." The declaration is supported by countries including members of the European Union, Australia, Japan, and Britain.
The declaration added, "We oppose any measures, including the imposition of illegal fees, transit tolls, discriminatory restrictions, prior authorization requirements, or any other conditions that would obstruct or undermine legitimate navigation through straits used for international navigation."
On September 24, 2026, a joint statement was issued at the United Nations on behalf of a wide range of countries and blocs, calling for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring the safe passage of ships without obstacles or illegal fees.
For its part, the International Maritime Organization confirms that there is no legal basis for imposing mandatory fees for the mere transit of straits used for international navigation, according to statements by its Secretary-General in April 2026.
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