India, April 9 --  Iran's reported plan to charge ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz has sparked global debate about maritime law, energy security, and freedom of navigation. The move comes after weeks of conflict in the region, which disrupted shipping traffic and forced countries to rethink their dependence on the strategic waterway.

Officials and analysts say Tehran wants to impose a toll on oil tankers and cargo ships transiting the strait, one of the world's most important maritime routes. Nearly one-fifth of global oil shipments normally pass through the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to international markets.

The proposal has triggered concern among shipping companies and governments because it could cha...