European states weigh voluntary transit fee for Strait of Hormuz crossings

TEHRAN, Iran — LONDON — European governments are considering paying a voluntary transit fee for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz to help secure maritime navigation amid regional tensions, The Guardian reported. European capitals argue that any payment should remain voluntary and be administered by the International Maritime Organization, a United Nations body. According to the report, European officials are looking to the Strait of Malacca as a model. Although Malaysia does not impose a mandatory transit fee, states and private companies make voluntary contributions to funds that cover coastal states' patrol and environmental security costs. The Guardian said Oman drafted the proposal together with British lawyers. Muscat is preparing to send legal experts to Tehran to discuss the plan in detail with Iranian officials. No further details on the timing of the consultations were immediately available.