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Oman warns allies that ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz may face a toll

Oman informed European officials that a return to the pre-war status quo at the Strait of Hormuz is not possible, and ships transiting the waterway may face new fees, according to people familiar with the matter, as reported by Bloomberg.

The Omani officials, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss private deliberations, said the sultanate will always adhere to international maritime law. However, they noted that fees could be introduced for services such as de-polluting the strait or assisting with navigation. It remains unclear whether all such charges would be mandatory.

Oman is currently studying fee systems used at other global chokepoints, including the Malacca Strait in Asia, where no mandatory shipping charges exist, the sources added.

Concern is growing among the U.S., Europe, and Oman’s Gulf Arab neighbors that the sultanate may collaborate with Iran to establish a toll or fee system for the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway bordered by Oman and Iran, is one of the world’s most strategically vital chokepoints for the transit of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes.

Tensions escalated in late February when Iran shut the strait by attacking and threatening vessels, following the start of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on the Islamic Republic.

Now, with the U.S. and Iran engaged in peace talks, Tehran is insisting that it will jointly manage traffic through the strait alongside Oman.