MUSCAT, Oman — Iran and Oman agreed Tuesday to study the costs of maritime services provided in the Strait of Hormuz while reaffirming their sovereignty over their respective territorial waters, according to a joint statement released after high-level talks in Muscat.
The two countries said they would establish a joint working group between their foreign ministries to discuss the future administration of navigation in the strategic waterway, including services to be provided and the costs associated with them in line with international standards.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said on X that both countries remain committed to “toll-free safe passage” through the strait.
The announcement followed meetings between Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and senior Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
Iran has repeatedly said it plans to impose what it describes as maritime service fees, rather than transit tolls, for vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran said the charges would take effect after a 60-day grace period provided under a memorandum of understanding signed with the United States.
The agreement calls for Iran and Oman, together with other Gulf states, to discuss the future administration of the strait and related maritime services.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas supplies normally pass, was temporarily closed after military strikes involving the United States and Israel before Iran lifted the blockade under last week’s agreement with Washington.
The proposed fee system has drawn strong opposition from the United States. President Donald Trump has warned Oman against jointly controlling the waterway with Iran, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has threatened sanctions if Muscat helps implement a tolling system.
