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2026-04-07 22:00:01
[Singapore Rejects Negotiations on Passage Rights in the Strait of Hormuz, Reaffirms Freedom of Navigation in International Straits] ⑴ Singapore's Foreign Minister stated in Parliament on Tuesday that Singapore will not negotiate with Iran on the safe passage or toll rates for vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, consistent with its long-standing principle of non-partisanship. ⑵ The Minister pointed out that Singapore considers passage through the strait a right of all states, not a privilege granted by littoral states, not requiring a pleading permission, nor a toll to be paid; vessels of all states have the right to pass. ⑶ This right is enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, of which Singapore is a signatory and ratification. Article 44 of the Convention explicitly states that littoral states shall not impede or suspend transit passage. ⑷ The Minister emphasized that Singapore's position on the use of international navigation straits is long-standing and consistent. The Strait of Hormuz, the Strait of Malacca, and the Singapore Strait are all examples of international navigation straits, and the right of transit passage is a matter of customary international law. (5) The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is in close contact with ship owners and operators of vessels flying the Singapore flag or registered in the Persian Gulf Straits, and is engaging with stakeholders at the international and regional levels to explore potential opportunities to facilitate the safe passage of vessels.
