Iran and Oman are reportedly discussing a plan to consolidate shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz into a single central corridor, with transit fees based on services provided—insurance, environmental support, collection—rather than a percentage of cargo value. The proposal contradicts an earlier Reuters report that stated a fixed 3-7% fee on cargo value. Under the transition plan, vessels would enter via the northern Iranian lane and exit via the southern Omani lane before all traffic moves to the central corridor, with Iran monitoring incoming vessels and jointly managing outgoing traffic with Oman.
Thursday evening saw a series of conflicting reports regarding transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran intends to charge 5-7% of cargo value, while Oman seeks 3%. The report, published around 19:09 Jerusalem, was quickly denied by Iran's Fars News Agency, which stated that the 3% or 7% figures are incorrect and that fees will be determined by services provided. Later, at 19:42, a detailed plan emerged: Iran and Oman are discussing the gradual consolidation of shipping lanes into a single central corridor. Under the transition, vessels would enter via the northern Iranian lane and exit via the southern Omani lane, before all traffic moves to the central corridor. Transit fees would be based on services—insurance, environmental support, collection—rather than a percentage of cargo value. This contradicts the earlier Reuters report of a fixed percentage.
Amichai Stein (i24NEWS) assessed that the IRGC may be attempting to sabotage the negotiations by leaking inaccurate details. The United States has expressed blanket opposition to any tolls. The negotiations are ongoing, with the final fee structure still unclear.
As The Zioneer reported at 19:28 Jerusalem, the initial demand for 5-7% from Iran and 3% from Oman had been the main point of contention. The latest reports suggest a shift toward a service-based model, but the details remain unconfirmed.
9 developments
- DevelopingSource details phased Strait of Hormuz plan: Iran to control entry, joint exit with Oman, transit fees
- StrongIranian official: Tehran unlikely to accept alternatives to joint Oman Strait of Hormuz plan
- DevelopingIran and Oman advance joint plan for Strait of Hormuz transit fees
- StrongOman drafts proposal for separate Strait of Hormuz lanes, with southern route free of Iran's permit requirements
Source and signal
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