Will ships passing through Hormuz have to pay tax? Amid talks between Iran and America, Oman

Oman has told European officials that the Strait of Hormuz can no longer function as before without any changes. According to reports, ships passing through this strategic sea route may have to pay some kind of fees in future. However, it is not yet clear whether this fee will be mandatory or not. Omani officials said their country would continue to fully comply with international maritime law, but ships could be charged for services such as pollution control and navigational assistance. However, it is not yet decided whether it will be necessary for all ships to pay for these services or not.

Also studying other sea routes
According to the report, Oman is also watching how other major sea routes of the world operate. This also includes the Malacca Strait of Asia, where at present no mandatory transit fee is charged from ships.

Also read: Ceasefire broken between Iran and America? Big US attack in Tehran, missile-drone sites targeted, revenge for attack in Hormuz

Increased concern of America, Europe and Gulf countries
The discussion of possible imposition of fees by Oman and Iran on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz has increased the concern of America, European countries and Gulf Arab countries. They fear that this could put additional pressure on one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.

Issue will arise in the meeting of Macron and Sultan of Oman
This issue is also expected to be raised in the meeting of French President Emmanuel Macron and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman in Paris on Monday. According to Macron’s office, the two leaders will discuss the security of sea routes. France says that ‘free and unconditional movement’ of ships through the Strait of Hormuz should be ensured.

Oman trying to strike a balance between America and Iran
Oman is a close ally of America, but it also has good relations with Iran. This is the reason why he has played the role of mediator between Washington and Tehran many times. In recent days, different signals have been received from Oman. Earlier in the week, Oman and Iran issued a joint statement saying they would discuss the future operation of the Strait of Hormuz and related costs, but just two days later, Oman signed a joint statement with the US and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), rejecting efforts to establish any tolls, fees or control over the Strait of Hormuz.

What did Marco Rubio say?
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said during his visit to Bahrain, ‘He said the same thing in the meeting and signed the same statement in which it is clearly written that no fees or tolls will be imposed. So I think this is good news. According to Bloomberg’s report, Omani officials have privately told European officials that they are under pressure from Iran. During the recent conflict, Iran had launched missile and drone attacks across the region. Oman also did not remain untouched by these attacks. Despite suffering losses in US and Israeli air strikes, Iran still remains a major military power in the Persian Gulf.

What did the expert say?
Bader al-Saif, an assistant professor at Kuwait University and associate fellow at Chatham House, told Bloomberg, “Oman is currently stuck trying to balance between Iran and the United States.” He further said, ‘Till now this strategy has somehow worked, but when both sides are in a war-like situation and are trying to outdo each other, then Oman’s maintaining this balance may create difficulties for it in the future.’