The report said it remains unclear what type of fees or the amount that countries would be willing to accept. The US and Gulf Arab countries continue to maintain that Iran and Oman cannot impose charges on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, citing concerns over international maritime law and the precedent such a move could set for other global waterways.
According to Bloomberg, European countries have urged Iranian and Omani officials not to discriminate against ships based on nationality. The UK, France and other European nations are also pushing for an international maritime coalition to help clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz, although deployment would depend on progress in negotiations towards a permanent peace agreement.The report added that Oman has told European officials there is no return to the pre-war status quo in the Strait of Hormuz. Ships passing through the waterway may be charged fees for services related to de-pollution and navigation.
According to Bloomberg, Oman is studying the Strait of Malacca as a possible model. Under that system, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore charge vessels for navigation and security services when required, while a voluntary fund supports safe navigation.
The report said commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has increased since Iran and the US signed an interim peace agreement around two weeks ago. Supported by American military protection for vessels, oil flows through the chokepoint from producers such as Saudi Arabia have risen to more than 10 million barrels per day, slightly more than half of pre-war levels. Iran has also increased crude exports after the US lifted a blockade on its ports.
Bloomberg reported that during a visit to Paris last week, Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq discussed plans for the Strait of Hormuz with French President Emmanuel Macron, with both leaders stating in a joint declaration that they would promote restriction-free transit.
The report also said Gulf countries, which came under heavy Iranian attacks during the initial phase of the war, have indicated a greater willingness to consider tolls as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions.
According to Bloomberg, discussions between Iran, Oman and neighbouring countries over the future management of the Strait of Hormuz are taking place alongside indirect US-Iran talks in Doha aimed at building on the interim agreement. The report added that US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that negotiators had made progress, saying, “we’re getting along very well.”
Fatih Birol also reaffirmed this in an exclusive interview with CNBC-TV18. “I fear that those who think things will go back to where they were are naive,” he said.
