Oman rejects Iran’s fee plan for Strait of Hormuz

Oman has turned down a proposal from Iran to jointly charge service fees on commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a senior regional official told the New York Post on Friday. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Oman’s refusal was driven by its wish to avoid a confrontation. The decision highlights growing tensions in one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes. The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is a narrow waterway through which about one-fifth of global oil supply passes. Iran has previously threatened to restrict traffic there during disputes with the West. Oman, which has long maintained neutral and diplomatic ties with both Iran and Western nations, appears unwilling to join any measure that could escalate regional instability. Details of the proposed fee, including its amount or timeline, were not disclosed in the report. Neither government has publicly commented on the matter so far.