Iran has confirmed that service fees for maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz are under consideration, with negotiations between Tehran and Muscat nearing completion on a temporary route. The United States remains opposed, while shipping industry bodies warn that compulsory charges could destabilise global trade.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated at a weekly press conference that maritime services must be reimbursed. He explained that while specific details were not yet being discussed, the principle of charging for services was clear.

He emphasised that negotiations with Oman were progressing smoothly and constructively, with mechanisms being developed to ensure safe shipping, environmental protection, maritime services, and crime prevention.

Baghaei confirmed that Iran and Oman are working on a temporary intermediate route to replace the existing northern and southern passages. This route would remain in place until a new traffic separation scheme is agreed.

He attributed the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to US and Israeli military aggression, insisting that reopening depends on the removal of hostile conditions imposed on Iran. He reiterated that Iran is not directly negotiating with the United States, though messages continue to be exchanged through mediators.

US President Donald Trump commented that Washington is “only semi-negotiating” with Iran, stressing that economic pressure will continue to mount rather than military escalation. He told Axios that Iran is in “very bad shape” economically and confirmed that an agreement involving Iran, Oman, and the United States on traffic management has been pending for several days.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi added that Tehran and Muscat are “very close” to finalising an agreement on a temporary maritime route. Reports indicate that Oman has proposed a voluntary fee system modelled on the Strait of Malacca, while Iran has pushed for compulsory charges.

Tehran is reportedly seeking between five and seven per cent of cargo value per transit, amounting to $8–11 million for a super tanker, while Oman favours a lower rate of around three per cent. The Persian Gulf Strait Authority, which would collect fees, is already under US sanctions.

Shipping industry organisations including ICS, BIMCO, INTERTANKO, and the World Shipping Council have written to the UN and IMO warning that compulsory charges would amount to a toll in all but name.

They argue that such measures would undermine international norms governing straits used for global navigation. Insurance complications have also emerged, with new war-risk clauses terminating cover for vessels that pay Hormuz transit fees, raising compliance risks for shippers.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, carrying nearly 20 per cent of global crude oil and 25 per cent of liquefied natural gas shipments. Recent military tensions have disrupted traffic, increased insurance costs, and heightened fears over energy security.

The proposed agreement between Iran and Oman seeks to stabilise navigation, but the imposition of fees has become a central point of contention between regional powers, shipping companies, and global institutions.

The outcome of these negotiations will determine whether Hormuz remains freely navigable or becomes subject to charges that could reshape global shipping economics. With the 60-day toll-free window closing around 19 August, the shipping industry faces immediate uncertainty over costs and compliance.

ANI