UK Foreign Secretary Rejects Toll on Strait of Hormuz, Urges Inclusion of Lebanon in Ceasefire
London: UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has stated that imposing any toll on maritime traffic passing through the Strait of Hormuz is unacceptable.
Her remarks came in response to Iran’s reported plans to exert control over the key waterway and charge fees on ships passing through it. Cooper emphasized that international waterways must remain free and open, adding that fundamental freedoms of navigation cannot be restricted or commercialized by any single party.
Foreign sec @YvetteCooperMP tells Sky News she is "deeply troubled" by the Israeli attacks on Lebanon and wants the ceasefire to be extended to the country.
She adds that "it is crucial that Iran is not allowed to introduce tolls on the Strait of Hormuz." pic.twitter.com/JrCOpxglu9
— Sky News (@SkyNews) April 9, 2026
Speaking during an annual foreign policy address at Mansion House in London, she said there should be no room for taxes or tolls on such routes, stressing that freedom of navigation means vessels should pass without restrictions or charges.
Cooper also reiterated calls by global leaders to include Lebanon in the recently agreed two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran.
Meanwhile, Israel carried out one of its largest attacks on Lebanon on Wednesday, targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah, further escalating tensions in the region.
