Oman is leaving open the possibility of imposing transit fees on the Strait of Hormuz, according to sources cited by Bloomberg, as it informed European officials that there is no way to return to the pre-war regime in the Strait. At the same time, it left open the possibility that passing ships may be asked to pay certain fees.
As the same sources reported, Omani officials assured that the country will continue to respect the International Law of the Sea. However, the possibility of imposing charges for services such as addressing marine pollution or providing navigation assistance is being considered, without it being clarified whether these charges will be mandatory.
Oman is studying the models of other strategic maritime passages, such as the Strait of Malacca in Asia, where no mandatory transit fees are imposed. Meanwhile, the United States, Europe, and the Arab Gulf states are expressing growing concern that Muscat may align with Iran in creating a toll system for passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Diplomatic moves and international reactions
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to meet Monday in Paris with the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq, as international forces intensify efforts to ensure freedom of navigation. According to a statement from the French presidency, the two leaders will discuss "the safety of sea lanes, which depends on free and unconditional passage through the Strait of Hormuz."
Oman and Iran share the coasts of one of the world's most important maritime passages for the transport of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
It is noted that Iran has effectively closed the passage since the end of February, launching attacks and threats against ships after the bombings by the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic.
With the US and Iran now engaged in peace talks, Tehran insists that the management of navigation in one of the world's most important maritime "choke points" should be done jointly with Oman.
According to Bloomberg, imposing fees on passing ships could cost traders and shipping companies tens of billions of dollars annually. The governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have warned that such a practice would constitute a violation of international law of the sea.
Oman's neutral stance under pressure
Oman, a US ally but with close ties to Iran, is often described as the "Switzerland of the Middle East" for its longstanding neutrality. Before the outbreak of war, it had acted as a mediator in contacts between Washington and Tehran.
However, Muscat has sent conflicting messages. On Tuesday, it co-signed a joint statement with Iran to discuss the functioning of the sea lane and its cost. Two days later, it signed a joint statement by the US and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), rejecting "any tolls, fees, or attempts to impose control over the Strait of Hormuz."
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during his visit to Bahrain, stated: "They told us at the meeting and also signed the statement that there will be no fees or tolls. I think this is positive news."
Pressure from Tehran and fragile balances
According to sources, Omani officials have informed European counterparts that the country is under pressure from Iran. The Islamic Republic has launched missiles and drones across the Middle East, including against Oman, and remains the most significant military force in the Persian Gulf, despite the damage inflicted on its armed forces by US-Israeli strikes.
"Oman is caught between two opposing camps, trying to maintain a balance between Iran and the United States," said Bader Al-Saif, an assistant professor at Kuwait University and a fellow at Chatham House. He added: "This balancing tactic has generally worked in the past. But now that the two sides are at war and constantly trying to outdo each other, Oman's stance will eventually cost it."
