Oman Proposes New Straits of Hormuz Transit Fee System to Western Nations

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the Sultanate of Oman has recently put forward a formal proposal to the United States and its Western allies. This initiative suggests that shipping companies should pay a fee for transit through the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal draws partial inspiration from operational mechanisms employed in the Malacca and Singapore Straits.

While the Omani proposal frames the transit fee as officially optional, Iran emphasizes the imperative of collecting these tolls. The New York Times, citing informed sources, reported on this development. Washington has reportedly expressed reservations regarding the proposal and seeks further dialogue with Omani officials to discuss its specifics, with American officials hoping that technical negotiations will resolve any points of divergence.

In related comments, Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, stated that Tehran is prepared to establish a new framework for maritime traffic management in the Strait of Hormuz. He added that if Oman is not inclined to jointly develop a common framework for administering this vital waterway, Iran will pursue this process independently. Previously, Iran’s top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, had remarked that while the Strait of Hormuz has remained open to international shipping in recent years, the conditions within this waterway would change following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran.

Earlier, following a visit by an Iranian delegation to Muscat, Iran and Oman issued a joint statement affirming that coastal nations must assume the primary role and sovereignty in managing the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides also indicated their intention to consult on the future of this waterway and the development of an agreement governing vessel transit, adhering to international standards while accounting for the costs incurred by the littoral states.