Key facts
- Oman does not support transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz but may allow charges for optional services.
Oman's foreign minister stated Muscat does not support transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz but may allow charges for optional services. This comes as Iran rejects international involvement in managing the waterway and insists on sole responsibility for mine clearance.
Oman's stance on transit fees and Iran's insistence on sole control over the Strait of Hormuz highlight ongoing tensions and negotiations over this critical global chokepoint, impacting international shipping and regional stability.
Oman's foreign minister, Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi, stated that Muscat "does not support imposing transit fees" on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, but is open to discussing charges for optional maritime services such as navigational safety and pollution protection. This position was communicated via his ministry's X account, suggesting potential voluntary frameworks similar to those in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.
This development follows French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement of cooperation with Oman and partners on de-mining the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi asserted that mine clearance is solely Iran's responsibility and warned against external interference. Iran views the Strait of Hormuz as a critical bargaining tool in its negotiations with the United States and has resisted international involvement in its management.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, discussed the implementation of a US-Iran memorandum of understanding and regional developments via phone. The IRIB broadcaster reported the ministers reviewed the agreement, which Tehran states aims to end the conflict involving the United States and Israel. This conversation occurred after Gharibabadi criticized Macron's comments on demining efforts.
Discussions are ongoing between Iran and Oman regarding the administration and maritime services within the Strait of Hormuz. Concurrently, technical teams from Iran and the United States are scheduled to meet in Doha to discuss the implementation of a memorandum of understanding, with mediators having established communication channels between the two nations.