Oman on Wednesday rejected Iran’s demand to impose transit fees on vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz, stating unequivocally that no charges can be levied for passage through the strait.
Iran’s 10-point ceasefire proposal included a clause permitting both Tehran and Muscat to impose transit fees on vessels navigating the Hormuz.
Oman’s Transport Minister stated that the Sultanate has entered into agreements ensuring that vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz will not be subject to any fees.
He underscored Oman’s firm commitment to preserving free and secure navigation through the strategically vital waterway.
The 34-kilometre-wide stretch of water separating Iran and Oman is widely recognised as an international waterway; neither country has historically imposed transit tolls.
As the narrow gateway to the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime corridor, handling nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil trade.
Earlier, Iran proposed imposing transit charges on vessels using the Strait of Hormuz as part of broader efforts to end its conflict with Israel and the United States, following weeks of disruption to shipping through the vital energy corridor.
According to a senior Iranian official speaking to Reuters, Tehran wants any lasting peace agreement, after a war triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iranian leadership on February 28, to formally recognise its right to levy such fees.
The proposed charges would differ based on factors such as the type of vessel, the nature of its cargo, and other unspecified conditions, the official said, without providing further details.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabdi stated last week that Tehran was working with Oman on a draft protocol that would require ships to secure permits and licenses before transiting the strait.
He maintained that the measure was designed to streamline maritime traffic rather than impede it.
Oman confirmed that discussions had taken place with Iran on ways to ensure uninterrupted passage through the strait but did not indicate whether any formal agreement had been reached.
Only a limited number of vessels have navigated the Strait of Hormuz since Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps restricted access at the onset of the conflict, including firing on some ships in the Gulf.
There have been unverified reports suggesting that at least one vessel paid around $2 million to secure passage, though Reuters has been unable to independently confirm the claim.
Source: News18