PARIS, April 9 (NNN-Bernama-dpa) — France rejects any possible fee for transit through the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Iran, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on Thursday, reported German Press Agency (dpa).
Speaking on French radio, Barrot said paying for passage “is not acceptable because freedom of navigation in international waters is a common good — a common good of humanity — which must not be hindered by any obstruction or transit toll.”
Barrot said that such a move would be illegal, adding that Iran must respect maritime law.
After the US and Israel began the war against Iran on Feb 28, Tehran brought shipping through the Strait of Hormuz almost to a standstill.
Since a ceasefire began earlier this week, media reports and data analysts indicate that only a few ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz.
— NNN-BERNAMA-dpa