NEW YORK (VINnews) — Iran and Oman are close to reaching a dramatic agreement that could reshape shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, according to a report published Tuesday by The New York Times.
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Citing officials familiar with the discussions, the report said that vessels entering the Persian Gulf would travel through the northern shipping lane near Iran’s coast, while outbound traffic would use the southern lane near Oman.
The proposed arrangement would also include payments collected from commercial vessels. Iranian officials insist the charges would not be transit tolls but “service fees” intended to cover maritime security and environmental protection, with the revenue to be shared equally between Iran and Oman.
A U.S. official rejected Iran’s characterization, saying any temporary shipping route established in the strait would not require Iranian approval and would not include mandatory payments.
Iran has argued that, following the outbreak of the war, the Strait of Hormuz should no longer operate as an unrestricted international waterway. The United States has firmly rejected that position.
“If we create a precedent in the Middle East where a country can decide it controls an international waterway, charge ships to pass through it, and threaten to blow them up if they don’t pay, we’re creating a very dangerous precedent that could spread to other parts of the world,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
President Donald Trump also addressed the issue Monday, saying the Strait of Hormuz could reopen “as soon as tomorrow.” He added that reopening the waterway would be the first step, followed by efforts to address Iran’s nuclear program.
Trump will allow Iran to charge the ships. Of course Trump org will get 10%.
All these people are crazy if it is an international waterway why should anyone be able to charge transit fees, it is not like the Panama Canal!
Our Great Far-seeing Leader once again demonstrates what a genius he is. Only HE can snatch defeat from the jaws of victory
No way should they ever be allowed to charge a toll ever
The alleged discussion between US and Iran seems like two ships passing in the night. Crazy.
The idea of “service fees” for passage through international waters, especially a choke point as critical as the Strait of Hormuz, introduces a dangerous precedent. This isn’t about revenue; it’s about control and leverage. Allowing such a mechanism would legitimize a form of economic coercion that could destabilize global trade routes and empower regimes that routinely disregard international norms. The free flow of commerce is essential for all nations, and any attempt to monetize or restrict it under the guise of “fees” should be met with strong, unified opposition.