North India Statesman
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News India Live, Digital Desk: The tension between America and Iran over the world’s most important oil route ‘Strait of Hormuz’ has reached the brink of war. Iran’s threat to close this narrow sea route and its proposal to collect ‘toll tax’ on ships passing through it has created a global stir. Zee News’ special investigation has revealed that this fight is not just about geography, but about sovereignty over the sea and control over the trillion dollar economy.
What is the controversy? Preparation to collect toll in the sea
A bill named ‘Strait Security Arrangement’ is pending in the Parliament of Iran, in which there is a provision to collect toll from merchant ships passing through Hormuz in the name of ‘navigation security’. Iran argues that it alone bears the entire burden of security on this route, so the countries passing through it should pay for it. On the other hand, America and its allies are calling it ‘piracy’ and violation of international laws.
Who is the real owner? geography vs law
The Strait of Hormuz is just 21 miles (33 kilometers) wide at its narrowest point.
Iran and Oman: Geographically, this route falls within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman. Under international law, the maritime boundary of any country extends up to 12 nautical miles from the coast. Since this route is less than 24 miles wide, there are no ‘International Waters’ left here.
Role of Oman: A large part of this route is also under the control of Oman, but Iran claims to have ‘de-facto control’ here due to its military power and geographical position.
Is it legal to collect tax at sea?
According to the International Law of the Sea (UNCLOS-1982), ships through ‘the Strait of Hormuz used for international navigation’ have the right of ‘innocent passage’.
Iran’s side: Iran has signed the UNCLOS treaty but has not ratified it. Therefore, Iran argues that it is not bound to follow all the rules of this treaty.
Experts’ Opinion: Experts say that no country has the right to charge fees merely for passing on international waterways. However, if a country provides special services (such as guiding or cleaning), it may charge a fee.
Why is this a ‘lifeline’ for the world?
Hormuz is called the ‘vein of oil’ of the world. Nearly half of the world’s seaborne crude oil trade 20% to 25% Part passes through this route.
Impact on India: About 50% of India’s total oil imports come through this route. If this road is closed or toll is imposed here, then the prices of petrol and diesel in India may skyrocket.
Global crisis: Due to the current war, Brent crude prices have already crossed $100 per barrel. More than 150 oil tankers are stranded in the region, disrupting the global supply chain.
America’s role and Trump’s stance
US President Donald Trump has recently warned allies that it is not only America’s responsibility to protect Hormuz. He has called on friendly countries to “secure their own oil”. America’s fifth fleet is stationed in Bahrain, which is continuously patrolling to keep this route open. If Iran tries to levy tolls here or close the route completely, it could directly lead to a major military confrontation with the US.
