Iran and Oman Form Working Group to Manage Strait of Hormuz Navigation Services

Iran and Oman said they will establish a joint working group to discuss the administration of navigation services and associated costs in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement released on Tuesday. The two countries, which lie on opposite sides of the strait’s southern entrance, said the group will aim to reach an agreement that complies with international standards.

The move comes amid ongoing U.S. concerns that Tehran could seek to levy fees on vessels transiting the strategic waterway, which carries about 20% of global seaborne oil. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking in the United Arab Emirates, reiterated that “no country is allowed to charge tolls or fees on an international waterway,” citing existing international law.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi previously affirmed a commitment to “toll-free safe passage” through the strait following high-level meetings with Iranian officials. It remains unclear whether this stance will extend beyond the 60-day cease-fire period outlined in a recent U.S.–Iran memorandum of understanding.

Iran has recently urged commercial ships to register with a newly created Persian Gulf Strait Authority and to obtain insurance, describing the coverage as “free” during the cease-fire window. Western insurers have expressed reservations about complying with the requirement, and industry sources have described the proposal as “unacceptable and not workable for commercial shipping.”

The establishment of the working group is intended to address these issues and maintain the flow of maritime traffic, which has not yet returned to pre-conflict levels.