NYT: Oman proposes transit fee system for Strait of Hormuz passage

Iran and US-aligned Oman are advancing plans to impose fees on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, despite Washington’s public opposition, The New York Times (NYT) reports, citing an Iranian official and four diplomats with knowledge of the matter

If enacted, the plans would represent a significant departure from the prewar status quo in the strategic waterway, underscoring how the American-Israeli decision to attack Iran on February 28 has reshaped the Middle East in far-reaching and unexpected ways.

Prior to the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz functioned as an open international shipping route between Iran and Oman, with ships freely transporting oil and gas from the Persian Gulf to global markets. During the hostilities, Iran effectively restricted movement through the strait, a critical global energy chokepoint, contributing to a sharp rise in energy prices.

Since the end of the fighting, Iranian officials have repeatedly signalled their intention to monetise passage through the waterway.

Oman has recently presented a formal plan to the United States and other Western partners proposing a system in which shipping companies would pay service-related fees to transit the strait, according to the Iranian official and a regional diplomat.

A source familiar with the US position said American negotiators have received the proposal and are raising concerns to be discussed with Omani officials. Both that source and a regional diplomat noted that the plan refers to voluntary payments rather than compulsory tolls.

By Jeyhun Aghazada