Oman assured the United States on Thursday, May 28, 2026, that it will not impose tolls on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz [1].
This pledge follows concerns from Washington that any charging scheme in the strategic waterway would destabilize global energy markets and threaten regional security. Because the strait is a primary chokepoint for global oil shipments, any disruption to the free flow of traffic could trigger significant economic volatility.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Omani officials discussed the matter as the U.S. warned Oman against facilitating a toll system [2]. The U.S. government said regional safety and economic stability were the primary reasons for its opposition to such a scheme [2].
Despite the assurance, reports have surfaced indicating that Oman and Iran previously discussed the possibility of setting up a toll system to charge vessels transiting the strait. These conflicting reports suggest a tension between Oman's diplomatic pledges to the U.S. and its bilateral conversations with Tehran.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most critical maritime passages in the world. On the day of reporting, approximately 30 vessels crossed the strait [3] — a snapshot of the constant traffic that sustains global trade.
Omani officials said they will not engage in activities that compromise the international status of the waterway. The U.S. continues to monitor the situation closely to ensure that no unilateral efforts to monetize the shipping route are implemented [2].
“Oman assured the United States that it will not impose any toll on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz.”
The contradiction between Oman's pledge to the U.S. and reported discussions with Iran highlights Oman's precarious position as a diplomatic bridge between Washington and Tehran. While the U.S. views the Strait of Hormuz as an international waterway that must remain free of charges to ensure global energy security, any move toward a toll system would likely be seen as a provocation, potentially escalating military tensions in a region already prone to instability.
