Iran, Oman push to become administrators of Strait of Hormuz as toll system remains unclear

Oman and Iran have agreed to explore the potential joint administration of the Strait of Hormuz, signaling a unified stance on asserting "sovereignty and sovereign rights over their territorial waters in the Strait of Hormuz." This joint statement follows talks between the two nations and marks a significant development, as Oman has previously remained largely silent on Iran's declarations regarding the strategic waterway.

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their sovereignty and sovereign rights over their territorial waters in the Strait of Hormuz

The two countries have committed to maintaining dialogue through a joint working group from their foreign ministries. Their aim is to reach an agreement on the future management of navigation and associated services within the Strait, ensuring compliance with international standards. Notably, Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi emphasized the countries' commitment to "toll-free safe passage," a point of contrast with Iran's demands for navigational fees throughout the recent conflict.

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toll-free safe passage

Adding to the complexity, US President Donald Trump stated that Iran had informed the US of no intention to seek tolls from ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. However, this assertion appears to conflict with Iran's published regulations. The "PGSA Passage Rules and Regulations" from Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority indicate that Iran "reserves the right to enforce penalties, revoke permissions or take further legal action" for non-compliance and "reserves the right to introduce insurance fees in the future."

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Iran has informed the US that, despite troublemaking Fake News reporting to the contrary, there are 'NO TOLLS, NO INSURANCE COSTS, & NO OTHER CHARGES OF ANY KIND BEING SOUGHT OR RECEIVED BY IRAN ON SHIPS TRAVELING THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ… If this is false information, negotiations would end immediately!'