Opinion: Iran's Toll Collection Could Set a Dangerous Precedent

BlockBeats News, April 22 - The shipping chief of a commodities trader said that they are concerned that Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz have set a dangerous precedent for the free flow of global trade. Since the outbreak of the Middle East War at the end of February, Iran has been attempting to charge vessels passing through the strait a transit fee, sparking strong protests from international shipping regulators.

“A dangerously precedent is being set here, one that will infringe on the right of innocent passage for vessels,” said Larry Johnson, Global Head of Freight at Mercuria Energy Trading. “If key channels or waterways start charging tolls, or are disrupted or threatened in a way that sets a precedent for allowing such fees, what comes next? Places like the Black Sea, the Danish straits, the Strait of Malacca, who can say for sure? The free flow of global trade is no longer guaranteed.” (FX Street)