Iran and Oman Propose Charging Fees for Ships Passing Through Strait of Hormuz Against US Position

Iran and Oman are advancing plans to impose fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, defying the United States' stance, according to a report by The New York Times on Tuesday. Oman recently submitted a formal proposal to the US outlining a plan for shipping companies to pay service fees for using the strait. A source familiar with the negotiations confirmed that US representatives received the proposal and expressed concerns about it.

The issue of allowing free passage through the strait is central to ongoing US-Iran negotiations. Reports indicate that both countries agreed to halt recent mutual attacks and resume talks toward a final agreement to end hostilities. The US has suggested holding discussions with Iran at an upcoming summit in Doha, Qatar.

Last week, the US military struck targets in Iran following an earlier attack by Iran's Revolutionary Guards on a commercial ship in the Strait of Hormuz. In retaliation, the Guards launched attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait, triggering alarms and explosions, though no casualties or damage were reported. US President Donald Trump responded on social media, stating that US forces targeted missile storage, drones, and radar sites in Iran due to Iran's breach of a memorandum of understanding.

Trump warned that continued Iranian violations could force the US to take military action to "finish the job," threatening the existence of the Islamic Republic. The Revolutionary Guards accused the US of violating the memorandum and reported attacks on five of their positions along the Persian Gulf coast. They emphasized that the memorandum grants Iran authority to regulate traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and vowed to respond forcefully to ships violating the arrangements.