Iran and Oman announced Tuesday they would jointly manage navigation and associated costs in the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could lead to fees for ships transiting the critical waterway. The joint statement indicated the two nations would establish a working group to "reach agreement on the future administration of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the services that will be provided in this regard and the costs associated with them in accordance with international standards."
This development comes despite public assertions from the Trump administration that Tehran cannot legally charge tolls. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated Tuesday that "no country is allowed to charge tolls or fees on an international waterway" and that this is established international law.
Iran has recently shifted its language from direct threats of tolls to discussions of fees for unspecified services. Nearly one-fifth of the world's seaborne oil supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz annually. Shipping traffic has resumed through the strait following a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran, though volumes remain below pre-conflict levels.
Concerns persist that free passage will not return to pre-war levels until Iranian mandates are addressed. Some industry insiders have described Iran's current directives, which require commercial vessels to register with a newly formed agency, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, as "unacceptable and not workable for commercial shipping." Underwriters are reportedly resisting compliance with these mandates.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi had previously stated that his country and Iran affirmed their commitment to "toll-free safe passage" through the strait. However, it remains unclear if this commitment is contingent on the duration of the 60-day window for U.S.-Iran negotiations on a peace deal.
Oman, which occupies a strategic position at the southern entrance of the strait, has historically maintained a neutral foreign policy, fostering relationships with both Iran and Western nations. Al Busaidi previously mediated unsuccessful talks between the U.S. and Iran prior to a recent military operation.