Iran-Oman Hormuz deal to charge vessels 'service fees': Report

Iran and Oman are negotiating a maritime framework that would require ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz to pay service fees while eventually consolidating traffic into a centrally managed corridor, according to an informed source at Tehran's Foreign Ministry. The source told Iran's semi-official Fars News Agency that the proposal envisions a transitional period during which vessels would enter the strait through the northern shipping lane near Iran's coast and exit through the southern lane near Oman's coast.

Traffic Management

Following the transitional phase, all traffic would shift to a central shipping lane with inbound vessels managed solely by Iranian authorities and outbound traffic falling under joint Iranian-Omani control, the source said. Ships transiting the vital waterway would pay charges covering insurance, bunkering, fueling, and environmental protection services rather than navigating the existing dual-lane configuration.

Fee Structure

The source dismissed media reports suggesting Tehran and Muscat were divided over whether to impose fees of 7% or 3% of cargo value, describing such claims as inaccurate. Fees would instead vary depending on the scope of maritime support Iran is able to provide, the official noted, adding that the arrangement reflects service costs rather than ad valorem tariffs.

The proposal comes amid ongoing regional efforts to redefine control over the strategic chokepoint, which handles approximately one-fifth of global oil shipments daily.