Ships in the Strait of Hormuz.Image: keystone
After the war between the USA and Iran, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz could change permanently. Oman has apparently presented a plan according to which ships would in future have to pay for passage through the strategically important strait.
June 30, 2026, 4:57 p.mJune 30, 2026, 4:57 p.m
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important trade routes in the world. A large portion of oil and gas exports from the Persian Gulf pass through the strait between Iran and Oman. Until the war between the USA, Israel and Iran, merchant ships could pass through them free of charge.
Now this very principle is in question, as is the case New York Times reported. Oman and Iran are apparently working on a model that would require ships to pay for passage. Oman has made a corresponding proposal to the United States and other Western allies, according to several people familiar with the talks.
USA rejects fees
Officially, it’s about service fees for safe navigation, environmental protection and dealing with emergencies at sea. Oman refers to models in other important waterways, such as the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. Voluntary contributions are used there to improve shipping safety.
However, it is controversial whether the payments would actually be voluntary. According to diplomats, Oman is talking about a voluntary model. An Iranian representative presents the matter differently: From Tehran’s point of view, the fees should be mandatory.
The USA reacts skeptically. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently said that Washington would reject any model that monetizes use of the Strait of Hormuz – whether it is described as a fee, toll or donation.
Iran does not want to go back to the old situation
The future of the strait is part of ongoing talks between the US and Iran on a permanent peace deal. A framework agreement that ended the war initially established safe and free passage for commercial ships for 60 days. What applies after that is unclear.
However, Iran makes it clear that the Strait of Hormuz should not simply return to its pre-war state. During the fighting, Tehran effectively blocked the strait for a time, showing how much pressure it can put on the global energy market. Oil prices rose significantly at that time.
Since then, control over the waterway has become an important means of pressure for Iran. The country’s representatives have repeatedly stated that there is no reason to provide security and navigation services free of charge.
Oman between the fronts
Oman finds itself in a delicate situation. The Sultanate has been seen as a mediator between Washington and Tehran for years and is trying to maintain its neutrality. At the same time, it is located directly on the Strait of Hormuz and is therefore directly affected.
The Omani government denies that it wants to impose simple transit fees. Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi distinguishes between prohibited transit fees and possible voluntary payments for specific services along the strait.
The International Maritime Organization is also critical of mandatory fees for international waterways. However, according to the Secretary General’s assessment, a voluntary fund could be conceivable.
Gulf states fear new order
The Arab Gulf states are likely to be particularly worried about the plans. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and other countries rely on free passage through Hormuz to export oil and gas.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan recently demanded that the Strait of Hormuz return to its pre-war condition. One cannot accept that a new order will be imposed as a result of the conflict.
That’s exactly what it’s all about now: The USA wants a return to the old free passage. Iran does not want to give up its newfound negotiating power. And Oman is trying to find a model between the two sides that will stabilize traffic again through one of the most sensitive waterways in the world. (mke)