Oman Proposes New Strait of Hormuz Toll Plan Raising US Concerns

Oman is advancing a new initiative for the Strait of Hormuz that would allow Iran to collect voluntary fees from ships passing through this critical oil transit route, according to Reuters. The plan draws inspiration from the Malacca Strait in Asia, where Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore charge optional fees to cover environmental, search and rescue, and maritime management costs. Oman, located at the southern entrance to the Strait, has previously indicated interest in cooperating with Tehran on a toll structure. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discussed the proposal with counterparts in Oman and Saudi Arabia.

The United States has long opposed mandatory tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-third of the world's oil flows during peacetime. It remains unclear how Iran would enforce toll collection against ships refusing to pay. Last month, Oman and Iran issued a joint statement establishing a working group to examine the future of navigation and services in the Strait.

These developments follow US President Donald Trump's February 28 order to launch "Operation Furious Anger" in response to sporadic Iranian attacks aimed at deterring shipping in the Strait. Although a preliminary memorandum of understanding was reached last month, with Iran pledging safe passage for commercial vessels without fees for 60 days, Iran continued attacks afterward. Trump then authorized 13 days of strikes against Iran, which the Pentagon halted recently as talks with Tehran intensified. Trump expressed cautious optimism about progress but warned of resuming military actions if talks fail.