Oman rules out transit charges in Strait of Hormuz, countering Iran-linked proposal amid fragile ceasefire negotiations
April 8, 2026: Oman has firmly stated that ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz will not face any transit fees, rejecting proposals tied to ongoing ceasefire talks between the United States and Iran. The announcement from Muscat came shortly after reports suggested that Tehran had proposed a joint mechanism with Oman to levy charges as part of backchannel negotiations that led to a 14-day ceasefire declared by Donald Trump.
Omani Transport Minister Said bin Hamoud bin Saeed Al Maawali reiterated that existing maritime agreements guarantee free passage through the strategic route, emphasising the country’s commitment to safe and unrestricted navigation. However, Iran’s reported proposal to impose fees under a temporary ceasefire framework has raised fresh concerns, with indications that such revenue could be used for post-war reconstruction following extensive damage to its infrastructure.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit corridor between Iran and Oman, has traditionally remained toll-free but has come under scrutiny amid recent hostilities that disrupted shipping and drove up oil prices. Although Washington and Tehran have agreed to a temporary ceasefire and Iran has conditionally agreed to reopen the route, key issues remain unresolved. Further negotiations are expected in Islamabad, with hopes of reaching a broader agreement during the two-week truce window.