Shipping groups protest Iran-Oman plan to charge fees for Strait of Hormuz transit
Eight maritime industry associations have warned that a pending Iran-Oman agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which may include transit fees, could harm European and Asian customers.
Eight major shipping lobby groups have issued a joint letter objecting to a proposed Iran-Oman agreement that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and introduce fees for vessels transiting the waterway. The associations – representing Asian, European and global shipowners as well as cruise lines and tanker operators – say the fees would disadvantage their customers in Europe and Asia. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, confirmed that the two countries have reached an agreement and that the geographic coordinates of the route have been settled. He added that a joint statement outlining the main points is in the final stages of review, pending the absence of obstruction by “certain third parties.” The statement did not specify who those parties might be, but analysts infer that Iran is seeking U.S. non-interference as a condition for reopening the strait. The White House and Oman have not yet commented on the arrangement, and it remains unclear how the United States will respond to Iran’s stipulation.