Oman Declares No Toll for Ships Passing Through Hormuz Strait

Oman, a coastal nation of the Hormuz Strait, has announced that it will not impose tolls on ships passing through the strait. This statement comes amid Iran's suggestion of potential fees for maritime services under the guise of safety, navigation, environmental, and insurance services, revealing differing views on the management of the strait.
According to reports, Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi stated on June 25 during a meeting in Manama, Bahrain, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Gulf foreign ministers, "There will absolutely be no tolls imposed on future actions related to the strait."
Iran has indicated that it will guarantee free passage through the Hormuz Strait for 60 days during ongoing negotiations for a peace agreement with the U.S., but may impose maritime service fees afterward. Iran clarifies that these fees are not tolls on passage itself but rather service charges necessary for the management of safety, navigation, environment, and insurance in the strait.
Previously, Iran and Oman issued a joint statement following high-level talks on June 23, agreeing to continue discussions on navigation management and maritime service fees in the Hormuz Strait. Both sides plan to establish a joint working group involving their foreign ministries and consult with neighboring coastal nations and relevant parties.
However, Oman’s public denial of the possibility of tolls just two days later has led to differing interpretations regarding the scope and nature of the discussions between the two countries. Oman appears to be signaling its willingness to cooperate on safe navigation in the strait but does not agree to a system that imposes fees on passage itself.
According to Iran's state-run IRNA news agency, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated after a phone call with Minister al-Busaidi that they had a "productive conversation" and that both countries are committed to continuing relevant discussions with neighboring nations. He added that future talks will address the management of the Hormuz Strait and regulations for maritime services.
The U.S. also opposes Iran's proposal for fees. During his Gulf tour, Secretary Rubio emphasized that "the Hormuz Strait is an international waterway" and that no specific country can impose tolls or fees. The U.S. and member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have reiterated their joint stance that free navigation and unrestricted passage through the Hormuz Strait must be guaranteed.

* This article has been translated by AI.