Iran, Oman set to collect tolls for using Strait of Hormuz

As part of the two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, both Iran and Oman are set to impose transit fees on vessels passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the 34-kilometre-wide waterway linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman.

The strait, which handles nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments, had previously been treated as an international passage with no tolls charged by either country.

Officials in Tehran told the Associated Press that the revenue generated from these tolls would be used for post-conflict reconstruction, following extensive damage to Iran’s civilian, administrative, and defence infrastructure during the 40-day war. The conflict, which began on 28 February, had led to repeated attacks on commercial ships and temporarily closed the waterway, causing global oil prices to spike.

The ceasefire, announced early Wednesday, includes Iran’s conditional agreement to reopen the strait. Further discussions on long-term arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz, along with other aspects of peace, are expected during negotiations in Islamabad on Friday between the United States and Israel.

US President Donald Trump said Iran had submitted a 10-point proposal he described as a “workable basis” for future talks. He expressed optimism that a comprehensive agreement could be reached within the two-week truce period, though he did not reveal the specifics of the negotiations.

According to reports from Reuters, the tolls would differ depending on the ship type, cargo, and other operational conditions.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed that a formal protocol with Oman is being drafted.

Officials stress that the aim is to facilitate smooth transit rather than impose restrictive measures.

Meanwhile, Gulf nations including the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have opposed any toll collection, reiterating the need for free navigation through the strait.

Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, coastal states cannot charge fees simply for passage through international straits, although limited charges may apply for services like pilotage, tugboats, or port facilities, as long as they are applied fairly to all vessels.