Oman offers U.S. proposal on Strait of Hormuz fees amid ongoing talks

Oman has put forward a proposal to the United States concerning the future management and use of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. Regional diplomatic sources indicate that the unfinalized plan suggests shipping companies would pay a service fee for passage through the strait, though it would be distinct from an official toll.

Details on how this service fee would differ from a standard toll remain unclear, and significant disagreements persist regarding the proposal. These differences are expected to be a key topic of discussion during upcoming talks in Doha this week. Another source close to the Omani position stated that the country does not aim to implement a taxation system within the strait.

U.S. negotiators reportedly harbor reservations about the Omani proposal and intend to address these concerns directly with Omani representatives. A White House official, Anna Kelly, reiterated President Trump's stance that Iran cannot levy taxes on the strait's use, emphasizing its status as an international waterway. U.S. officials, including Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, have been engaged in discussions with Qatari and other mediators in Doha.

Previous de-escalation agreements have stipulated that Iran would facilitate safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, which handles approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. The agreements also outlined cooperation between Iran and Oman to establish future management frameworks for the strait, potentially granting Iran an official role in its administration.

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President Trump has clearly stated that Iran cannot collect taxes for the use of the strait, as it is an international waterway.