WASHINGTON, July 1 (ANI) — Iran and Oman are moving forward with plans to introduce payments for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz despite public opposition from the United States, according to a report by The New York Times.
If implemented, the proposal would mark a significant departure from the longstanding practice under which commercial vessels have navigated the strategic waterway without paying transit charges while transporting oil and natural gas from the Persian Gulf to global markets.
Earlier this year, during regional hostilities, Iran effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes and driving global energy prices higher.
Since then, Iranian officials have repeatedly expressed interest in introducing a payment mechanism for vessels using the passage.
According to The New York Times, Oman has submitted a formal proposal to the United States and other Western allies outlining a framework under which shipping companies would pay service fees to transit the strait.
A person familiar with the U.S. position told the newspaper that American officials had received the proposal and planned to discuss their concerns with Omani authorities.
The source and a regional diplomat said the proposal refers to voluntary service fees rather than mandatory tolls. However, an Iranian official said the payments would be compulsory.
The future governance of the Strait of Hormuz remains a key issue in ongoing discussions between Washington and Tehran aimed at reaching a permanent peace agreement.
According to the regional diplomat, Oman’s proposal is modeled on arrangements used in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, where a private foundation collects voluntary contributions to support maritime safety.
On Monday, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Tehran’s priority is to reach an agreement with Oman on the joint management of the shipping route.
According to Iranian state television, Gharibabadi warned that Iran would move forward independently if no bilateral agreement is reached with Oman.
Oman has long served as a mediator between the United States and Iran, maintaining a policy of neutrality amid regional tensions.
Reports in May that Oman was discussing a partnership with Iran on charging service fees prompted President Donald Trump to warn that he would bomb Oman if it did not “behave just like everybody else.”
Last week, Trump also described the idea of imposing tolls or transit fees through the Strait of Hormuz as “unacceptable.”
It remains unclear whether the Trump administration would accept a framework based on voluntary service fees.
A framework peace agreement signed earlier this month between the United States and Iran guarantees the free passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days while negotiations continue on a permanent arrangement.
The agreement also calls for Iran and Oman to begin bilateral discussions on the future management of the waterway after the 60-day period expires.
According to The New York Times, U.S. officials value Oman’s diplomatic role and believe differences over the proposal can be resolved through technical discussions.
Three European diplomats told the newspaper that Omani officials initially presented the proposal as a contingency plan to ensure uninterrupted maritime commerce if the conflict had continued.
The diplomats said European governments remain opposed to transit fees but are focused on ensuring that any eventual arrangement complies with international law.
According to Iranian state television, Gharibabadi said Iran and Oman are expected to begin talks next week on the logistics of managing the strait, including service fees for merchant vessels and possible adjustments to designated shipping lanes.
Oman has maintained that charging vessels solely for transiting the strait would violate international law.
Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi has distinguished between charging for passage and collecting fees for maritime services provided by the coastal states bordering the waterway.
Last week, Oman and the International Maritime Organization designated a secure maritime corridor through Omani territorial waters.
Following that development, Iran attacked a cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting the International Maritime Organization to suspend operations to evacuate hundreds of ships stranded in the waterway.
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