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🇰🇷 South Korea /Economy & Trade

Oman: No Hormuz Tolls; Iran Rejects Routes

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Oman declared it will not impose transit fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing freedom of navigation.
  • Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned that only its designated routes are permissible, rejecting Oman's temporary free passage plan.
  • A cargo ship was hit by an unidentified projectile near Oman, causing damage but no injuries, leading to a temporary suspension of the IMO's ship evacuation program.

Oman has stated that future management of the Strait of Hormuz will not include any transit fees for ships, reinforcing its commitment to navigation freedom and safety. Oman's Foreign Minister, Badr Albusaidi, emphasized the nation's special responsibility under international law to support maritime navigation safety in the vital waterway.

There will be no imposition of any transit fees in any of the future measures related to the Strait of Hormuz.

— Badr AlbusaidiOman's Foreign Minister stating the country's position on transit fees.

This stance directly contrasts with Iran's proposal to potentially charge ships for services related to safety, security, and environmental protection in the strait. Iran had estimated annual revenues of around $40 billion from such fees, reportedly drawing inspiration from Turkey's system for the Dardanelles Strait.

However, Iran's Revolutionary Guard has rejected Oman's temporary free passage route, established in coordination with the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The Guard insists that only routes designated by Iran are legal, warning that using others is "very dangerous and prohibited" and will result in "corresponding measures."

No country on Earth has the right to charge for the use of international waterways. There is absolutely no support among Gulf states for any kind of toll or fee.

— Mike RubioU.S. Secretary of State commenting on the situation after a meeting with GCC foreign ministers.

Adding to the tension, a cargo ship sailing near Oman was struck by an unidentified projectile, damaging its accommodation block but causing no casualties. The attack's perpetrator and projectile type remain unconfirmed. In response, the IMO temporarily suspended its ship and crew evacuation program in the Strait of Hormuz pending reassurances of safety.

The only authorized route is the route designated by Iran.

— Iran's Revolutionary Guard NavyWarning against using routes not approved by Iran.

Despite the incident and Iran's warnings, maritime traffic in the strait is gradually recovering. While still below pre-war levels, the number of ships transiting daily has increased significantly. Iran's Foreign Minister indicated that Tehran and Muscat will engage in dialogue to define future management and maritime services for the Strait of Hormuz, expressing a firm will to consult with regional countries.

It is very dangerous and prohibited, and ships that violate it will face corresponding measures.

— Iran's Revolutionary Guard NavyFurther warning regarding unauthorized routes in the Strait of Hormuz.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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