Before the conflict, commercial vessels transited the strait without paying any charges. That changed after Iran effectively blockaded the route during the war, sending crude oil prices sharply higher and disrupting global shipping.
Iranian officials have repeatedly signalled that they intend to introduce a payment mechanism for ships using the passage. (File Photo)
Oman has proposed a joint mechanism with Iran to collect fees from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, opening a new chapter in negotiations over one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
According to The New York Times report, Oman submitted a formal proposal to the US and other Western partners outlining a framework under which Iran and Oman would jointly collect payments from ships using the Strait of Hormuz.
Before the conflict, commercial vessels transited the strait without paying any charges. That changed after Iran effectively blockaded the route during the war, sending crude oil prices sharply higher and disrupting global shipping.
Since then, Iranian officials have repeatedly signalled that they intend to introduce a payment mechanism for ships using the passage.
Diplomatic sources cited in the report say Oman’s proposal attempts to create a structured arrangement rather than allowing unilateral Iranian action.
The proposal comes months after the Iran-US war changed the security landscape in the Gulf and after Tehran demonstrated its ability to disrupt one of the busiest energy shipping routes in the world.
If implemented, the plan would end decades of free passage through the strait and could reshape global maritime trade. It has emerged as one of the most sensitive issues in ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran aimed at securing a permanent peace agreement following months of conflict.
US REMAINS SCEPTICAL The proposal has reportedly reached American negotiators.
A person familiar with the US position said Washington had received the Omani proposal and planned to discuss several concerns with Muscat during technical negotiations.
US officials have consistently insisted that commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz should remain free.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised the idea. Earlier this month, he described charging ships for passage through the waterway as “unacceptable.”
He had also threatened military action against Oman after reports first emerged that Muscat had discussed partnering with Iran on a fee collection system.
Despite those objections, US officials say discussions with Oman remain constructive. Washington values its partnership with Oman and believes technical differences can still be resolved.
IRAN WANTS PAYMENT SYSTEM Iran has made little secret of its intention to ensure that the Strait of Hormuz does not return to its pre-war status. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said this week that reaching an agreement with Oman remains Tehran’s preferred option.
However, he warned that Iran would move ahead independently if no joint arrangement could be reached. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has also said the waterway would never again operate exactly as it did before the conflict. Senior Iranian officials have said that countries responsible for securing maritime traffic should be compensated for the se
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