Bloomberg: Europe sees Hormuz fees to Iran, Oman as inevitable

Several European countries have come to accept that vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz may eventually have to pay service fees to Iran and Oman, Bloomberg reports, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The sources said, following the recent conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, the introduction of some form of transit charge is increasingly being viewed as unavoidable.

According to them, some Gulf Arab officials privately share this assessment, although it does not necessarily reflect their governments' official positions.

It remains unclear what form such fees would take or how much countries would be prepared to pay.

The United States and Gulf Arab states continue to maintain that Iran and Oman have no legal authority to impose charges on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, citing concerns over international maritime law and the precedent such a move could set for other strategic waterways.

While acknowledging the possibility of additional costs, European governments have urged officials in Tehran and Muscat to ensure that any future system is applied equally to vessels regardless of nationality, the sources said.

The United Kingdom, France and several other European countries are also advocating the creation of an international maritime coalition to assist with mine-clearing operations in the strait. However, the deployment of such a mission is expected to depend on progress toward a lasting peace agreement.

One source made it clear that Oman is examining the Strait of Malacca as a possible model for managing Hormuz. Under that system, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore coordinate maritime management, with ships paying for navigation and security services when required. The source added that Omani officials believe a similar arrangement would require the backing of all Gulf states, while it remains uncertain whether Iran would support a voluntary contribution system.

Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has increased since Iran and the United States reached an interim peace agreement roughly two weeks ago.

The deal, together with U.S. naval protection for commercial vessels, has helped raise oil exports from Gulf producers to more than 10 million barrels per day, or just over half of pre-war levels. Iran has also expanded its crude exports after Washington lifted its blockade on Iranian ports.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov