Oman caught between US and Iran after Tehran’s claims of joint strait of Hormuz plan
Muscat silent about plans – opposed by US – to charge fee and demand details on nationality of all transiting ships
TL;DR
- Iran claims it is coordinating with Oman on the future management of the Strait of Hormuz, including plans to impose fees on commercial shipping.
- The US opposes any solution involving tolls to Iran and claims Oman shares this view.
- Western diplomats consider Iran's proposals unlawful, citing potential breaches of UN sanctions and arbitrary selection of ships.
- France and the UK have proposed an alternative plan based on freedom of navigation, which has support from most Gulf states.
- Iran's legal position is complicated by its non-ratification of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), potentially allowing for more restrictive passage rules.
- Iran hopes the newly established Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) will generate revenue, with fees set at approximately one dollar per barrel.
- China, a major importer of Iranian oil, has expressed a desire for blockades to end but is reportedly allowing Chinese tankers through the strait under Iranian terms.
- The UAE has stated its actions are defensive, following reports of its involvement in military operations against Iran.