Iran and Oman are looking to jointly impose a service fee for use of the Strait of Hormuz, despite open US objections, The New York Times reported on Tuesday, citing an Iranian official and four diplomats.
The 14-point plan signed by the US and Iran earlier this month stipulates that the Strait of Hormuz would see "the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge", but much like the rest of the agreement, it is only valid for the 60-day negotiation period.
However, Iran and Oman are mandated to develop a plan as part of the deal.
Charging a toll as part of a new, post-war business model in the region, however, reverses centuries of free transit through the waterway.
Oman would like the fee to be voluntary, while Iran insists the fee should be mandatory, the unnamed sources who spoke to the NYT said.
Middle East Eye ISSN 2634-2456