Singapore Rejects Iran Toll, Asserts Right to Sail Key Strait

Singapore will not negotiate with Iran for the safe passage of its ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The nation's foreign minister stated that paying a toll or bargaining for access would violate international law. Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan addressed the issue in parliament on Tuesday. He was responding to a question about whether Singapore would engage Iran or consider making payments. Balakrishnan firmly rejected the idea. He stressed that transit through such strategic waterways is a right granted to all nations under international law, not a privilege that can be bought or negotiated. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping route. A significant portion of the world's seaborne oil exports passes through this narrow channel between Iran and Oman. The minister's comments come amid regional tensions. They affirm Singapore's position of upholding the legal principle of "transit passage" for international straits.