Full Breakdown
Reopening Hormuz: Fees, Tolls and the Fight Over Free Passage
6/27/2026, 8:30:36 PM
Context & Actors
The Strait of Hormuz, a 50-km channel moving ~20 million barrels of oil daily, was closed after U.S.–Israeli strikes on 28 Feb 2026. It also carries roughly one-fifth of global LNG shipments. A 14-point MoU (17 Jun) mandates a 60-day toll-free period. Key actors: Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s Oman, President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Iranian adviser Dr. Mohsen Rezaei, the IRGC, the IMO, and GCC members.
Recent Developments
On 24 June Oman opened two temporary routes and the IMO began evacuating ships. By 25 June the IRGC warned only Iranian-approved lanes are lawful; the Singapore-flagged *Ever Lovely* was hit 7.5 nm off Dahit. Ship transits rose to 70 that day, 125 weekly, still below the pre-war 130-140 average.
Official Statements & Responses
Oman says it will respect international law but is studying service-related fees for pollution control and navigation, without confirming they will be mandatory. The U.S. maintains the MoU forbids any tolls; Rubio warned a breach would “create chaos.” Iran pledges fee-free passage for 60 days, insisting future costs fall on ship owners.
Criticism & Opposition
Bader Al-Saif warns Oman’s vague stance will backfire; GCC states say any toll breaches the UN law of the sea.
On-the-Ground Incident
*Ever Lovely* was struck 7.5 nm off Dahit; the vessel continued, prompting the IMO to pause evacuations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Oman hints at fees yet signed a GCC statement rejecting tolls; Iran says no charges now but discusses future fees; Trump claims Iran confirmed no fees; IRGC insists only Iranian routes are legal.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It would be unacceptable to me, because we have numerous strengths, and if you did that for them, you’d have to do it for other people,” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
- “The first issue is that the American government must accept that the Iranian people have rights — rights recognized under international law, within which Iran operates.” — Dr. Mohsen Rezaei, Senior Military Adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader
- “I know of no country on the planet that supports tolling or a fee for the use of the straits,” — Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State
- “I have always reiterated that the safety of the seafarers remains paramount. Therefore, to ensure a coordinated approach and navigational safety, the evacuation plan will be paused until further clarity is obtained,” — Arsenio Domínguez, Secretary-General, International Maritime Organization
What’s Next
The 60-day MoU window ends in mid-August; Iran, Oman and GCC states will then negotiate a permanent management regime while de-mining continues. The IMO plans to resume evacuations once safety guarantees are secured.
