London, April 09 (QNA) – British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called for a full reopening of Strait of Hormuz, following Iranian navy warnings that vessels passing through without permission could be attacked.

Speaking to BBC on Thursday, Cooper said no tolls or restrictions should be imposed on this vital maritime route, amid uncertainty among shipping vessels over the possibility of having to pay Iran for safe passage. She stressed that no country should hijack international shipping lanes as Iran has done.

She added that international cooperation is essential to maintain pressure for the full reopening of the strait without fees or restrictions.

Cooper noted that Gulf states have been very clear about the damage such fees could cause to global trade routes, adding that the US administration shares these concerns.

For his part, Defense Secretary John Healey said during a press conference that imposing transit fees could set a dangerous precedent that might be exploited elsewhere.

Around one-fifth of global energy shipments typically pass through Strait of Hormuz, which has become nearly closed due to Iranian threats of attacks. The tensions have driven up crude oil prices, with sharp increases in gasoline and diesel costs, raising concerns about the cost of living worldwide. (QNA)