Greek PM Slams Proposed Iran Transit Fees as Dangerous Threat to Maritime Freedom

Prime Minister Mitsotakis tells CNN that Iranian transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz are unacceptable and threaten global freedom of navigation.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 9, 2026, 3:05 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Reuters

Athens Rejects Iranian Toll Proposal as Threat to Global Shipping

The Greek government has formally voiced its opposition to a controversial Iranian proposal to levy transit fees on merchant vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, representing one of the worlds most influential maritime nations, categorized the potential move as an unacceptable breach of long standing international norms. According to Mitsotakis, the introduction of a toll booth system at the strategic chokepoint would fundamentally undermine the principle of freedom of navigation that has governed the region for decades.

Greek Maritime Interests at Stake in Gulf Transit Dispute

Greece maintains a critical interest in the resolution of the standoff, as the country controls one of the largest merchant fleets in the world by cargo capacity. The Prime Minister noted that Greek shipowners are among the most significant stakeholders in the safe and unhindered passage of goods through the Gulf. Any shift toward a fee based transit model would not only increase operational costs for the global shipping industry but also jeopardize the legal framework that prevents coastal states from taxing international maritime traffic in recognized straits.

Tehran Seeks Reconstruction Funds Through New Waterway Levies

The proposal emerged from Tehran during high stakes ceasefire negotiations with the United States, following a period of intense regional conflict. Iranian officials suggested that vessels could be charged fees to ensure their safe passage, with some reports indicating potential tolls as high as 2 million dollars per ship. According to various reports, the Iranian government intends to utilize these funds to finance domestic reconstruction efforts. This fiscal strategy seeks to secure a consistent revenue stream that circumvents traditional financial compensation or direct aid from Western powers.