Proposed Iran-Oman Deal to Manage Strait of Hormuz Faces Industry Pushback

In early August, Iranian and Omani officials signaled progress on a framework that would give Tehran a role in overseeing vessels entering the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz. Under the draft, Iran could intervene on inbound traffic, while outbound ships would follow a route between Iran and Oman and obtain exit clearance from Oman after notifying Iran. Iranian sources said the regime seeks a fee of 5-7 % of cargo value, with Oman discussing a roughly 3 % charge; the United States has indicated it wants no fees at all.

Reuters

The strait, a narrow chokepoint linking the Gulf to the Indian Ocean, carries about 20 % of global oil shipments. Before the February 2026 U.S.–Israel airstrikes, traffic moved freely without fees. The conflict that followed has seen Iran establish the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (May 2026) and begin collecting ad-hoc tolls of up to $2 million per voyage.

Reuters

• ? 20 % of world oil supplies pass the strait.

Eight International Maritime Organizations Oppose Strait of Hormuz Tolls

• The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has recorded 64 incidents and 17 deaths since the conflict began.

Shipping Industry Warns Against Potential Hormuz Transit Fees

• At least 6,000 seafarers remained stranded in the region as of late July.

Global shipping groups urge UN and IMO to reject Strait of Hormuz tolls

• Eight major shipping associations represent shipowners worldwide.

Shipowners Urge UN to Block Strait of Hormuz Tolls

• The U.S. Treasury has sanctioned the Persian Gulf Strait Authority and barred U.S. persons from receiving “guarantee of safe passage” payments, warning that any such payment could trigger asset freezes.

Reuters

• The Lloyd’s Market Association (LMA) introduced a July clause that voids insurance coverage for vessels that pay a transit fee, creating a “catch-22” for shipowners.

Reuters

• IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Domínguez has warned that countries lack the right to impose tolls on international straits.

Global Shipping Groups Urge UN To Reject Any Compulsory Transit Tolls In Strait Of Hormuz

Eight of the world’s largest shipping associations—including the Asian Shipowners Association, BIMCO, the International Chamber of Shipping, and the World Shipping Council—issued a joint open letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Domínguez. The letter argues that compulsory transit fees would breach international law, set a precedent for other strategic waterways, and raise global energy prices and inflation. It also stresses that seafarer safety must remain non-negotiable amid ongoing hostilities.

Shipowners Urge UN to Block Strait of Hormuz Tolls Al Jazeera (website)Global shipping groups urge UN and IMO to reject Strait of Hormuz tolls

• “Countries do not have the right to introduce tolls or payments or charges on these straits,” — General Arsenio Domínguez

Al Jazeera (website)

Negotiations between Tehran and Muscat continue, with both sides indicating that a 60-day provisional arrangement may be reached but that the final terms—including any fee structure—remain unresolved. The IMO and UN are expected to monitor the outcome to ensure compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Reuters