Oman Rejects Toll on Hormuz Strait, Considers Safety Tariffs

The Omani government has stated its opposition to the idea of imposing toll fees on ships sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, but is considering the introduction of special tariffs to guarantee vessel safety during transit. French radio Monte Carlo Doualiya quoted Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi as saying that Oman aims to keep navigation through the waterway safe and open to all, given the maritime route’s importance to the global economy and regional countries, including Iran. He added that Muscat does not support charging ships for transit, but does not rule out offering maritime services such as navigation safety, emergency preparedness, and pollution control, similar to those in place in the Malacca and Singapore straits. Albusaidi confirmed that any steps taken regarding the strait would be done after consultation with the countries and companies that use the route. Regarding mine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz, Albusaidi said that Muscat is open to various proposals, but stressed that the primary responsibility for doing so lies with Iran. In mid-June, Iran stated it was working with Oman to draft a new legal framework for navigation in the strait. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the situation would not be business as usual after the US-Israeli attacks. Iran proposed charging fees to ensure safe shipping lanes, rather than customs duties. After agreeing to a memorandum with the US, Iran committed on 18 June not to collect any fees from ships for 60 days.