Oman’s foreign minister, Badr al-Busaidi, said that future arrangements for managing the Strait of Hormuz will not include collecting a passage fee. His statement was issued in response to Iranian claims that Tehran intends to charge for services provided to tankers and other vessels seeking to cross the strategic waterway.
The comment directly addresses growing concern over how the strait, one of the world’s most important shipping routes, may be handled in the future. Al-Busaidi made clear that, in Oman’s view, any new framework would not involve tolls on maritime traffic.
The remarks also counter the Iranian suggestion that vessels would be required to pay for services related to transit through the strait. No further details were provided about what the future management arrangements might include or when they could be discussed.