The International Maritime Organization (IMO), a United Nations agency, has expressed its opposition to U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to charge tolls for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to a report by U.S. business news channel CNBC on July 13 (local time), an IMO spokesperson stated, "We have maintained a consistent position," adding, "We are firmly opposed to the imposition of charges for transit through straits used for international navigation."

The spokesperson emphasized, "There is no legal basis for introducing mandatory tolls simply for passing through a strait."

Earlier that day, President Trump claimed that the U.S. military would protect the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, and publicly demanded compensation equivalent to 20 percent of the value of all cargo transported through the strait.

(Photo: Yonhap News)