The war between Iran and America has stopped. Movement of oil laden ships has started through the Strait of Hormuz, due to which many countries including India have heaved a sigh of relief. But meanwhile, an important statement has come from Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz. According to a Bloomberg report, Oman has said for the first time that ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz may have to pay toll.
According to the report, Oman has told European officials that the movement and functioning of ships on the Strait of Hormuz cannot return to the pre-war situation. Ships passing through this strategic waterway may have to pay some fees. Omani officials said they would continue to comply with international maritime laws. But in Hormuz, fees may be imposed for services such as pollution control or aids to navigation.
Concern for America as well as European and Arab countries
The possibility of Oman and Iran introducing a tariff system for ships using the Strait of Hormuz has raised concerns among the US, European countries and Gulf Arab states. It is believed that this issue may also arise during the meeting of French President Emmanuel Macron and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman in Paris on May 29.
According to reports, Oman government officials are currently studying how other major sea lanes work. This also includes the Malacca Strait of Asia. Here ships currently do not have to pay any mandatory transit fee.
Oman had earlier rejected the idea of taking toll tax.
Oman and Iran issued a joint statement saying that they would discuss the future operation of the Strait of Hormuz and the expenses related to it. However, two days later, following US intervention, Oman signed a joint statement with the US and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), rejecting attempts to establish any tolls, fees or control over the Strait of Hormuz. Let us tell you that Oman has close relations with Iran. But he is also a close ally of America.
However, now Oman has again mentioned a system like toll for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Experts say that Oman’s attitude is changing because it is stuck in a difficult situation in trying to maintain a balance between Iran and America.
Is Iran putting pressure on Oman regarding Hormuz?
According to Bloomberg report, Omani officials have privately told European counterparts that they are under pressure from Iran. During the confrontation, Iran fired missiles and drones across the region, including Oman. Despite suffering losses from US and Israeli air strikes, it remains a major military power in the Persian Gulf.
Meanwhile, a statement has come from Iran. It has said that it wants to manage maritime traffic from Hormuz together with Oman. It is believed that imposing any duty on ships using this waterway could result in losses of billions of dollars every year to shipping companies and commodity traders.
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