Kaja Kallas demands toll-free navigation through Strait of Hormuz

European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas has communicated a European ‘red line’ to Iran regarding the future of the Strait of Hormuz. During a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Kallas demanded that maritime navigation through the strait must resume without new tolls or fees once the current conflict concludes.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy bottleneck. Prior to the conflict, the strait saw approximately 20.9 million barrels of oil per day pass through in the first half of 2025, representing about 20% of global liquid petroleum consumption. Recent data indicates that flows have dropped significantly, falling from 21.6 million barrels per day in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 4.9 million barrels per day in the second quarter of 2026.

Kallas emphasized that ‘before the war there were no tolls or fees’ and argued that imposing structural payments would add permanent costs to a route already facing high geopolitical, logistical, and insurance risks. The discussions also covered diplomatic options to end the conflict and restore maritime circulation.