Oman has told European officials that restoring the Strait of Hormuz to its pre-war operational state is not possible and that vessels transiting the narrow waterway could be subject to fees, according to a report on Friday that cited people familiar with the conversations. Omani representatives said they will adhere to international maritime law, while also flagging the possible introduction of charges tied to specific services.
Officials described potential levies for activities such as de-pollution efforts within the strait and assistance with navigation, though the sources noted it is not clear whether such charges would be applied on a mandatory basis. The sultanate is reportedly reviewing systems used at other global chokepoints, including the Malacca Strait in Asia, where there are no compulsory shipping charges in place.
Growing concern among the United States, European states and Oman’s Gulf Arab neighbors centers on the possibility that Oman could set up a tolling or fee arrangement that involves Iran for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The conversations referenced by people familiar with the matter indicate regional and transatlantic attention to how Oman might formalize support services in the waterway.
Diplomatic activity on the issue is already scheduled: French President Emmanuel Macron will meet with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman in Paris on Monday for talks that include maritime security. Macron’s office said the two leaders will "address the security of maritime routes, which depends on free and unconditional passage through the Strait of Hormuz," according to the office’s statement.
Requests for comment sent to Oman’s foreign ministry and to the Omani embassy in France were not answered on Friday, the sources said. Beyond the statements that Oman will operate within international maritime law and the information that the country is studying other chokepoint arrangements, details remain limited in the reporting.
Context provided in the reporting
- Oman has communicated to European officials that returning to pre-war conditions at the Strait of Hormuz is not feasible.
- Omani officials indicated possible fees for services like de-pollution and navigation assistance, while pledging compliance with international maritime law.
- It is unclear whether any proposed fees would be mandatory; Oman is examining models used at other shipping chokepoints.