Oman and Iran Secretly Cooperate to Charge Shipping Fees at Strait of Hormuz Despite US Threats

Iran and Oman are collaborating on a covert plan to impose fees on shipping companies passing through the Strait of Hormuz, defying international law and explicit US opposition. The New York Times reports that this initiative contradicts the international norm that prohibits charging for passage through international waters. Despite US President Donald Trump's previous threats to bomb Oman if it proceeded with such charges, Oman appears undeterred.

This proposal comes amid a recent framework agreement between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending hostilities, which guarantees free and safe passage for commercial vessels without fees for only sixty days while negotiations continue. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a visit to Bahrain, emphasized that the US will oppose any attempt to monetize the shipping route, regardless of whether fees are labeled as tolls, charges, or donations.

Oman and Iran differ on the fee structure: Oman suggests a voluntary donation-based model similar to arrangements in the Malacca and Singapore Straits, while Iran insists on mandatory payments. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that Tehran prefers a joint management agreement with Oman but will proceed independently if Oman refuses cooperation. Meanwhile, Iran continues to threaten ships in the strait but has refrained from attacks since yesterday.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared that the strait will not return to its pre-conflict free passage status, viewing control over this strategic waterway as critical leverage. In contrast, Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi softened his stance, acknowledging that charging for passage is illegal but suggesting voluntary contributions could be considered. The US has previously expressed strong displeasure over Oman’s rapprochement with Iran on this issue, with Trump threatening military action in May.

The initiative has caused concern among other Gulf Arab states reliant on the strait for energy exports, questioning the need for new arrangements imposed by conflict. Before the conflict, about 20% of the world’s oil and gas supply passed freely through the Strait of Hormuz, but Iran’s blockade during hostilities severely disrupted global trade and caused energy price spikes worldwide.