Iran and Oman agree to discuss Strait of Hormuz transit fees

Iran and Oman have agreed to form a joint working group to jointly review and discuss transit fees and other related matters concerning the Strait of Hormuz. The decision was announced on Tuesday, June 23, following discussions in Oman.

According to a joint statement, the two nations will continue dialogue through the joint working group under their respective foreign ministries. The focus will be on the future management of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, the services to be provided, and the charging of related costs in line with international standards. The statement also underscored the importance of ensuring safe passage through the strait in accordance with relevant international legal provisions, while also emphasizing both countries' sovereignty and rights over their territorial waters.

This development follows meetings between high-level Iranian officials, including Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who visited Muscat, Oman's capital. During their visit, the Iranian delegation met with the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq, and Oman's Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi. The agreement to establish the working group signals a potential expansion of regional discussions on Strait of Hormuz transit, involving other coastal states and international stakeholders.

The joint working group's mandate suggests a move towards a more coordinated approach to managing one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints. The discussions are expected to address both the operational aspects of passage and the financial implications, aiming to balance international navigation rights with the sovereign interests of Iran and Oman.