Oman Warns Strait Of Hormuz Won't Return to Pre-War Conditions, Ships May Have to Pay

Oman has informed European officials that the Strait of Hormuz will not return to its pre-war status quo, warning that transiting vessels may soon face new fees.

The proposed charges could cover services such as environmental cleanup and navigation assistance, according to Bloomberg.

It remains unclear if these levies would be mandatory for all passing commercial traffic.

Oman is currently studying global maritime chokepoints, including the Strait of Malacca in Asia, to evaluate how non-mandatory fee structures operate.

Western Allies Sound Alarm

The prospect of new transit costs has raised alarms in Washington, Europe, and neighboring Gulf Arab states.

Officials fear Muscat may establish a joint tolling system with Iran.

A fee mandate could cost commodity traders and the global shipping industry tens of billions of dollars annually.

The U.S., U.K., France, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have cautioned that mandatory tolls would violate international maritime law.

French President Emmanuel Macron will meet Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq in Paris on Monday.

Macron’s office stated the leaders will address maritime security and the necessity of free and unconditional passage through the strait.

Caught Between Rivals

Oman borders the critical waterway alongside Iran and has traditionally maintained a neutral geopolitical stance. However, Omani officials told European counterparts they face significant pressure from Tehran.

Iran shut down the Strait in late February through threats and attacks on shipping after the U.S. and Israel initiated a bombing campaign against the Islamic Republic.

Western governments assess that parts of the waterway may also have been mined.

Tehran is now demanding joint management of Hormuz traffic with Oman. Iran recently mandated that transiting ships obtain its insurance, signaling that the policies will remain free for only the next 60 days.

Diplomatic Friction

The future of the Strait remains a central dispute in ongoing peace negotiations between the U.S. and Iran.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated Thursday that Iran must ensure toll-free passage to secure a permanent peace agreement.

He warned that conceding to fees would trigger chaos at other maritime choke points across the globe.

Muscat has issued contradictory signals in recent days. On Tuesday, Oman released a joint statement with Iran discussing waterway operations and associated costs.

Two days later, Oman signed a statement with the U.S. and the Gulf Cooperation Council rejecting tolls or attempts to assert control over the strait.

Lingering Security Threats

Oil flows have increased following an interim peace agreement signed last week by U.S. President Donald Trump, leading to a drop in crude prices.

Despite the diplomatic progress, maritime traffic remains well below pre-war levels.

Security risks persist, underscored by an attack on the container ship Ever Lovely in the strait on Thursday.